No. 8 seed Ben Shelton and No. 11 Frances Tiafoe will begin the U.S. Open weekend pursuing the same two historically significant goals:

        (1) Eliminate one another in Friday’s semifinals to become only the second African American male U.S. Open finalist since Arthur Ashe (1968).

        (2) Defeat either top seed Alexander Zverev or unseeded Karen Khachanov in Sunday’s final to join Ashe as the only African American male to capture the prestigious Grand Slam title.

       Shelton stayed on course to capture his first U.S. Open title by outlasting No. 4 seed Carlos Alcaraz 6-3, 6-7, 6-7, 7-5, 6-3 in a record setting night match that lasted 4 hours, 28 minutes that ended at 3:33 a.m. Wednesday morning.

It was Shelton’s first victory over Alcaraz, who had beaten him in three previous matches. I’m just so grateful, so blessed,” Shelton said in his on-court interview. “Sharing the court with Carlos is an absolute honor, and I cherish every moment I have out here. The U.S. Open is so special, and I’m not even saying that as an American. I just can’t envision a better atmosphere.”

       Carlos wrote: “What a battle Ben! You deserve the win, I wish you the best for the rest of the tournament! I leave here happy with my level after such a long injury. Thank you for the energy NYC! Always a very special place!” 

       After rallying to defeat Alex Michelsen 5-7, 3-6, 7-5, 6-3, 7-6 (6) Tiafoe set his sights on Shelton who holds a 3-1 edge against his good friend.  Thus far, Shelton says their competitive meetings have not affected their friendship.

     “He’s one of those guys that’s fun to be around in the locker room,” Shelton said “… he’s always cracking jokes. Even though I beat him in the final of Houston, he’s giving me shots in his post-match speech, just like a good guy.”

        Jim Courier, a 4-time Grand Slam champion and now an ESPN tennis analyst, says Tiafoe’s dedication to the game has made him a more consistent force on tour this year and that his dedication has made him a legitimate candidate for the U.S. Open title. “He’s been so consistent all season long with his output,” Courier said. “It hasn’t always been one-way traffic, but it’s been the best season of his career, and he’s still alive and kicking.”

        So is Shelton, but only one gets the chance to fondle their first Grand Slam title on Sunday in Arthur Ashe Stadium.