Ben Shelton advances to US Open final and acknowledges 9/11 anniversary
2 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 12, 2026, 6:40 AM
Last updated Sep 12, 2026

Ben Shelton secured a place in the US Open final after defeating Frances Tiafoe in New York. Following the victory, Shelton acknowledged the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks during his post-match comments. He stated that playing on such a difficult day required focus and offered his thoughts and prayers to the families impacted by the tragedy. Shelton also noted the significance of being the first Black man to reach the US Open final since Arthur Ashe. The match took place in front of a crowd that included notable figures such as Jalen Brunson. Shelton acknowledged the challenge of maintaining focus amidst the high-profile attendance and the emotional weight of the date. He expressed gratitude toward his family for their support during his run to the final.
- •Ben Shelton reached the US Open final after defeating Frances Tiafoe.
- •The win occurred on the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks.
- •Shelton is the first Black man to reach the US Open final since Arthur Ashe.
- •Jalen Brunson attended the semifinal match at the venue.
- 11:25 AMYahoo Sports — Martina Navratilova Applauds Ben Shelton After American’s Outpour Of Emotions At US Open Talking About 9/11 Tragedy
- 6:40 AMYahoo Sports — Ben Shelton Pauses Historic US Open Celebration for Powerful 9/11 Message
- 5:48 AMYahoo Sports — Ben Shelton pays solemn 9/11 tribute after major US Open victory in New York
"Ben Shelton paused his US Open celebration to honor families impacted by 9/11 after reaching his first Grand Slam final. The post Ben Shelton Pauses Historic US Open Celebration for Powerful 9/11 Message appeared first on HEAVY.
"Ben Shelton made history in New York by reaching the US Open final. He made it a point to pay his respects to the lives tragically lost during the 9/11 terrorist attacks immediately after.
"Tennis icon and former World No. 1 in women’s singles Martina Navratilova responded to Ben Shelton’s emotional words to the home fans after securing his first Grand Slam final berth.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsSep 12, 2026, 11:25 AMMartina Navratilova Applauds Ben Shelton After American’s Outpour Of Emotions At US Open Talking About 9/11 Tragedy
Tennis icon and former World No. 1 in women’s singles Martina Navratilova responded to Ben Shelton’s emotional words to the home fans after securing his first Grand Slam final berth.
- Yahoo SportsSep 12, 2026, 6:40 AMBen Shelton Pauses Historic US Open Celebration for Powerful 9/11 Message
Ben Shelton paused his US Open celebration to honor families impacted by 9/11 after reaching his first Grand Slam final. The post Ben Shelton Pauses Historic US Open Celebration for Powerful 9/11 Message appeared first on HEAVY.
- Yahoo SportsSep 12, 2026, 5:48 AMBen Shelton pays solemn 9/11 tribute after major US Open victory in New York
Ben Shelton made history in New York by reaching the US Open final. He made it a point to pay his respects to the lives tragically lost during the 9/11 terrorist attacks immediately after.
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