For the first time in the history of the US OPEN, two African American men will face each other in the quarter finals. No. 10 in the world Frances Tiafoe will take on newcomer Ben Shelton at Arthur Ashe stadium for the chance to move towards the 2023 US OPEN men’s singles championship.
Tiafoe made history last year as the first African American man since Arthur Ashe to reach the semifinal. Newcomer Ben Shelton, with less than a year on the major’s tour, skyrocketed on the scene with an explosive win over Tommy Paul, a favorite in this year’s tournament.
Shelton made an impressive showing, scoring two record-setting 145 mph service points against Paul.
The win was a vindication for Shelton whose hopes were dashed by Paul in his first-ever appearance in a major in the Australian Open earlier in the year.
“Frances is like a brother to me,” Shelton declared at a post-match news conference. “He’s been a great friend to me on the tour, but he’s a nightmare to face on the court.”