The 2026 US Open is making history for American tennis, as Frances Tiafoe and Ben Shelton have advanced to the men’s singles semifinals, while Coco Gauff has also secured her place in the women’s final four.
For Tiafoe and Shelton, their victories have created a historic moment at Arthur Ashe Stadium. The two American stars will meet Friday, September 11, in a semifinal that marks the first time two Black American men have faced each other in a Grand Slam semifinal during the Open Era.
Tiafoe, the No. 11 seed, punched his ticket to the semifinals after an incredible comeback against fellow American Alex Michelsen. After dropping the opening two sets, Tiafoe fought his way back to win 5-7, 3-6, 7-5, 6-3, 7-6(10-6) in a dramatic five-set battle.
The victory sends Tiafoe to his third US Open semifinal appearance in the last five years. His determination and ability to battle back under pressure once again showed why he remains one of America’s most exciting tennis stars.
Then came Shelton’s historic night.
The No. 8 seed defeated defending US Open champion Carlos Alcaraz in another five-set thriller, winning 6-7(5), 6-1, 6-3, 1-6, 7-6(10-7). The match stretched into the early morning hours, ending at approximately 3:33 a.m. ET and becoming the latest finish in US Open history.
Shelton’s victory also ended Alcaraz’s title defense and gave the 23-year-old American his third Grand Slam semifinal appearance. More importantly, it set up a matchup with Tiafoe that carries significance well beyond the scoreboard.
The winner of Friday’s semifinal will become the first Black American man to reach the US Open men’s singles final since Arthur Ashe, who won the tournament in 1968.
Shelton currently leads his career series against Tiafoe 2-1, with the two players having split their previous US Open meetings. Their upcoming showdown promises to be another major chapter in their young rivalry.
Coco Gauff Continues Her US Open Run
On the women’s side, Coco Gauff has also battled her way into the semifinals.
The 2023 US Open champion overcame a difficult start against No. 5 seed Mirra Andreeva, losing the opening set 6-2 before fighting back to win the second-set tiebreak and ultimately taking the match 2-6, 7-6(7), 6-2.
Gauff faced two match points in the second-set tiebreak but refused to give up. A pivotal 39-shot rally helped turn the momentum in her favor, and she carried that energy into the deciding set.
The 22-year-old American will now face Elena Rybakina in the semifinals. Rybakina advanced after defeating Zheng Qinwen 3-6, 6-1, 6-4 and also moved to No. 1 in the world rankings following her victory.
Gauff’s continued run gives American tennis fans another reason to celebrate during an already historic US Open.
With Tiafoe and Shelton preparing for their groundbreaking semifinal and Gauff preparing for her own battle for a spot in the final, the 2026 US Open has become a showcase of American talent, perseverance and Black excellence on one of tennis’ biggest stages.
Friday’s Tiafoe-Shelton matchup will guarantee that a Black American man will advance to the US Open final — keeping alive the possibility of another historic championship moment in New York.
