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Zverev, Shelton Set for Unexpected US Open Final
Alexander Zverev and Ben Shelton will play each other in the US Open final.
Both players did not expect to reach the final when the tournament began.
Zverev is from Germany and has already won one Grand Slam tournament.
Shelton is an American playing in his first Grand Slam final.
Shelton beat Frances Tiafoe to reach the match.
He is trying to win America’s first men’s singles Grand Slam title since Andy Roddick won in 2003.
He also hopes to become the first African American man to win the US Open since Arthur Ashe.
Zverev has beaten Shelton in all five of their previous matches.
Shelton says he will embrace the pressure, while Zverev hopes to stop the American’s home-court dream.
Alexander Zverev defeated Karen Khachanov in straight sets to reach the US Open final.
Ben Shelton beat Frances Tiafoe in four sets for his first Grand Slam final.
Shelton is seeking America’s first men’s singles Grand Slam title since Andy Roddick won in 2003.
Shelton also hopes to become the first African American man to win the US Open since Arthur Ashe in 1968.
Zverev leads Shelton 5-0 and will try to prevent the American’s breakthrough on Sunday.
- Who
- Alexander Zverev of Germany and Ben Shelton of the United States; they will contest the men’s singles final.
- What
- The two players reached the US Open final after winning their respective semifinals.
- Where
- The matches are being held at the US Open in Flushing Meadows.
- When
- The semifinals were played on Friday, with the final scheduled for Sunday.
- Why
- Zverev is pursuing another Grand Slam title, while Shelton is seeking his first and aiming to end the United States’ 23-year wait for a men’s singles Grand Slam champion.
Alexander Zverev’s Case
Ben Shelton’s Case
Experience and pressure
Alexander Zverev’s Case
Zverev has already won a Grand Slam title and previously played two major finals, giving him experience in championship matches.
Ben Shelton’s Case
Shelton is playing his first Grand Slam final but says he intends to embrace the nerves and enjoy the opportunity.
Form versus momentum
Alexander Zverev’s Case
Zverev has won four consecutive matches without dropping a set and has beaten Shelton in all five of their meetings.
Ben Shelton’s Case
Shelton has overcome difficult challenges, including defeating defending champion Carlos Alcaraz and then beating Frances Tiafoe in the semifinal.
Meaning of the final
Alexander Zverev’s Case
Zverev wants to win another major title and prevent what he called the American dream from becoming reality.
Ben Shelton’s Case
Shelton is seeking his first Grand Slam title, America’s first men’s singles Grand Slam championship since 2003, and a historic US Open victory.
Key facts
- Finalists
- Alexander Zverev and Ben Shelton
- Zverev’s semifinal
- Defeated Karen Khachanov 6-3, 7-6(7), 7-6(6)
- Shelton’s semifinal
- Defeated Frances Tiafoe 4-6, 6-3, 6-3, 7-5
- Head-to-head record
- Zverev leads Shelton 5-0
- United States’ wait
- The last American men’s singles Grand Slam champion was Andy Roddick in 2003
- Shelton’s historical target
- He would be the first African American man to win the US Open since Arthur Ashe in 1968
- Notable quarterfinal
- Shelton’s win over defending champion Carlos Alcaraz ended at 3:33 a.m., the latest finish in US Open history
Quotes
Alexander Zverev
German tennis player and US Open finalist
“I’m going for it here, and I’m going to leave it all on the court. I hope you guys come and back me. Let’s do it for the USA,”
telegraphindia.com
“Hopefully, I can not make the American dream come true on Sunday,”
telegraphindia.com
Sources
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