Ben Shelton advances to US Open final after defeating Frances Tiafoe

Ben Shelton and Frances Tiafoe met in the US Open semifinals on Friday, marking the first time two Black American men have played each other in that round of the tournament. The match held historical significance, as it guaranteed a Black American man would appear in the final for the first time since Arthur Ashe in 1972. Tiafoe took the opening set, but Shelton gained momentum through his serving and athleticism to secure the win. The victory moves Shelton into the final at Arthur Ashe Stadium. The encounter also underscored the growth of youth development initiatives at the Junior Tennis Champions Center, where both men have historical ties to the program's leadership and community efforts.

• 5:35 AMYahoo Sports — A showdown of Black American men represents progress, and opportunity, in tennis