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Ben Shelton became the youngest American to reach a US Open semi-final in 31 years after he recorded the biggest win of his career to date against 10th seed Frances Tiafoe. But the 20-year-old was made to suffer for his victory after slugging it out for four sets in stifling weather conditions.
Unseeded Shelton took the first set 6-2 before Tiafoe restored parity by winning the second set 6-3. It was during a chaotic third set, however, that the direction of the match was effectively decided.
With both players struggling to cope in the humidity, there were six breaks in eight games, before Shelton eventually prevailed 9-7 in a crucial tie-break. Rejuvenated, he was then able to close out the match 6-2 to seal an epic win. After the contest, the world No. 47 explained exactly how difficult the match was and the challenges of fighting through the pain barrier.
He said: “I think tonight was a real physical battle. That was the true test. You know, you have Frances Tiafoe on the other side of the court and you have the weather that you had in there. It was pretty muggy, pretty hot. 75% of the match I think both of us were finishing points fairly tired, trying to catch our breath.
“You know, end of that third set is when I really had to dig deep. I had a set point at 6-5, went up to the line with heavy legs and ended up double-faulting two times in a row. Got a little bit lucky with the slap shot to get back in control of the breaker. And then, you know, I was just tough the last two points.
“I think that was the key for me tonight. Just being tough and being relentless, and knowing that I could go the distance physically no matter how bad it hurt. That was just kind of what I was sticking with.”
Shelton’s reward for beating Tiafoe is a first-ever Grand Slam semi-final appearance, where he faces three-times US Open winner Novak Djokovic for a place in Sunday’s final. It is a huge achievement for the 20-year-old who has outlasted compatriots Taylor Fritz, Chris Eubanks, Tommy Paul and Tiafoe to reach the final four.
Shelton said: “I’m definitely feeling joy at times during the match. I’d say a lot. When I look over at my box and see my friends and family over there, I get some smiles out of them or funny signals, you know, I enjoy that. I really enjoy the interaction with people when I’m on the court.
“I also enjoy the tennis. You know, it’s tough. I’m thinking to myself as I’m walking to get my towel in the fourth set, and it’s, like, this is the greatest moment on the tennis court of my life, and I’m in a lot of pain, you know, physically (smiling). But I’m loving it. I think that was just kind of the story of today.”
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Shelton reached the quarter-finals of the Australian Open in January but was beaten in four sets by Tommy Paul. But although he will be the clear underdog against Djokovic, he believes he is now better conditioned for such an occasion.
He added: “I think the fitness has definitely improved a lot but I think the mental has improved more than the physical. There’s plenty of times where I could have gone over to my box today and said, Guys, I’m cooked. Like, I’m tired. I don’t know if I can go anymore.
“Instead I told myself, I’m fine and he’s feeling it too. I think being able to flip it in your head is more than half the battle.
“I think I’ve definitely made some strides physically being out on tour a full year and playing a lot of matches and just being on the court more, working hard in the gym. My fitness levels have surely improved, and I think all that together is kind of what happened today.”
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