​September 9, 2026 Ben Shelton of the U.S. reacts during his quarter-final match against Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz REUTERS/Eduardo Munoz | Source: Lastwordonsports.com – Yesh GinsburgAfter five rounds of high-octane tennis, we have an all-American showdown in the semifinals, as the No. 1 American men’s player Ben Shelton takes on a three-time US Open semifinalist in Frances Tiafoe.The excitement for this match in New York is so high that, despite playing their quarterfinal matches a day earlier than the other half of the draw, the tournament has scheduled their match for the primetime night session slot, with a fully packed crowd expected for a match that, before even a ball is hit, has already secured an American player in the final this year.And we here at LWOT will be bringing you an in-depth preview of what to expect in one of the biggest matches for American men’s tennis this decade.The Road to the SemifinalsDespite making it this far in the tournament, it has been far from an easy road to the semifinals for both players. Frances Tiafoe has had to battle through two five-set matches, the second of which came in the quarterfinals against Alex Michelsen, in which Tiafoe had to come back from two sets to love. But in between all this, the American has played some inspired tennis again this tournament, the highlight of which was the efficient straight-sets win over the 2021 US Open champion Daniil Medvedev.Tennis – U.S. Open – Flushing Meadows, New York, United States – September 6, 2026 Frances Tiafoe of the U.S. celebrates after winning his round of 16 match against Russia’s Daniil Medvedev IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters/Jerry LaiAs for Shelton, you could argue that he had the toughest draw out of any top-eight player entering the tournament. But the American has negotiated it brilliantly, albeit dropping a set here or there. Shelton did very well to reach the quarterfinals, where he went up against the defending champion Carlos Alcaraz. And there, in arguably the biggest match of his life, and with not many people counting him to win, the American got the biggest win of his career, winning a five-set epic against the Spaniard and booking his spot in a second US Open semifinal.Shelton and Tiafoe Set for Another US Open BattleAnd then the match was set, as for the fifth time Shelton and Tiafoe will step onto a tennis court on opposite sides, and this time it is for a spot in the US Open final. And while Shelton does lead the head-to-head three to one, Tiafoe’s lone win did come at this very tournament, with this semifinal meeting also being the pair’s third match at the US Open overall, with the series currently split one apiece.A big reason for Shelton dominating this matchup overall is the mismatch between his serve and Tiafoe’s return. Tiafoe is a very opportunistic returner, winning just over 26% of his points against first serves in the past 52 weeks. That strategy doesn’t work so well against the high-powered serve of Shelton, w