Photo: Getty Images
Frances Tiafoe and Ben Shelton will make U.S. Open history Friday night (September 11) when they face each other in the men’s singles semifinals at Arthur Ashe Stadium.
USA Today reported the matchup marks the first time two Black American men have faced each other in a Grand Slam semifinal during the Open Era. The winner will also have a chance to become the first Black American man to win a major singles title since Arthur Ashe won the U.S. Open in 1968.
Ashe not only shattered barriers in tennis, but worked to create opportunities for the next generation, particularly young Black Americans, to participate in the sport. Now, Tiafoe and Shelton will meet on the court named in Ashe’s honor more than five decades after his historic victory.
The historic moment extends beyond the men’s draw.
Earlier Friday, Taylor Townsend and Katerina Siniakova won the women’s doubles title, completing a career Grand Slam as a team, according to the U.S. Open.
After the victory, Townsend reflected on the significance of the representation happening across the tournament.
“I also just take a lot of pride in this, being a Black woman here,” Townsend said. “It’s two Black women here in this finals. There are two Black men in the semifinals. And this is a phenomenal time for tennis, for inspiration, for representation.”
Townsend also thanked former professional tennis player and Tennis Channel analyst Chanda Rubin for helping pave the way for the current generation.
“This is a phenomenal time for tennis, and it’s just getting started,” Townsend said.
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