Ben Shelton set up a blockbuster all-American third-round clash with Frances Tiafoe in the third round at Flushing Meadows.
The infectious energy synonymous with their personas will retake center stage at the US Open in an eagerly-anticipated rematch of last year’s quarter-final.
Shelton outlasted his more experienced countryman in four sets in what proved to be a commanding display of his most trusted weapon – a thunderous lefty serve that reaches speeds of up to 150 mph.
The 21-year-old then made it back-to-back wins over Tiafoe after muscling his way over the line in the Houston final earlier this year to clinch his second ATP title.
Shelton now finds himself with another opportunity to spoil the party but Tiafoe, who is coming into the tournament in red-hot form, will relish the chance to avenge these defeats.
Ben Shelton reflects on his relationship with Frances Tiafoe ahead of US Open rematch
After reaching his maiden Masters final in Cincinnati and reclaiming his spot inside the world’s top 20, Frances Tiafoe appears to be tapping into the currents at just the right time to make another impressive run at his favorite slam.
And while Ben Shelton has enjoyed a more consistent season at the top of the game, they carry the same vibrant enthusiasm that feeds their relationship.
“I think that we are both goofy, especially in the locker room,” Shelton said in a press conference. “He definitely knows how to bring out the clown side of me and I do the same with him.
“I don’t think our relationship has changed at all [after the matches]. I also think he is very locked in right now and playing some really good ball, he is playing a lot better than he was earlier in the year.
“One of the things I love about him is that he can turn the switch off when he’s in the locker room and hanging out but he can really turn it on when he wants to and he’s on the court. That is something that I have always thought is cool and a good quality to have on tour.
“When he comes on the court, especially at the US Open, he means business.”
Who wants it more?
Shelton is absolutely right in stating that, when Tiafoe steps onto the court around this time of the season, he means business.
It is, of course, no surprise that the 26-year-old’s best results at majors have come on US soil, reaching the semi-finals and quarter-finals in his two previous appearances.
Tiafoe has forged an incredible rivalry with Carlos Alcaraz, which was ignited during his awe-inspiring run in 2022 that led him to the brink of making the final, only to have such prospect ripped away by the valiant Spaniard in a gut-wrenching five-set loss.
It was a defeat that drove Tiafoe to claim he would ‘come back and win this thing one day’.
While Shelton is still young and has yet to reach his full potential, Tiafoe will feel as if he must capitalize on the strong momentum that he has picked up in recent times.
Nevertheless, with both players hungry to succeed at their native slam, it promises to be a tantalizing encounter.
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