Historic Ben Shelton US Open victory over Frances Tiafoe wrapped in controversy

Ben Shelton reached his first Grand Slam final with a 4-6, 6-3, 6-3, 7-5 victory over Frances Tiafoe, becoming the first Black American man to reach the US Open final since Arthur Ashe in 1972.

The 23-year-old recovered after losing the opening set and gradually took control at Arthur Ashe Stadium, using his serve and aggression to break down Tiafoe.

Shelton finished with 20 aces and landed 75 percent of his first serves, while one delivery briefly flashed at 158 mph on the speed gun before commentators clarified it had actually been 144 mph.

His girlfriend, USWNT star Trinity Rodman, has been one of his most visible supporters throughout the tournament.

Rodman has regularly attended Shelton's matches and was courtside earlier in the US Open wearing an "I heart my boyfriend" shirt in support of him.

Shelton challenges umpire over shot clock

The semifinal became increasingly tense in the third set when Shelton questioned why Tiafoe hadn't been punished despite the serve clock apparently reaching zero on three successive points.

His frustration continued into the fourth before Tiafoe was eventually given a time violation warning at 2-2.

Another dispute followed when Tiafoe asked for time before a Shelton serve. The request wasn't immediately acknowledged, but the chair umpire ordered the point to be replayed.

"Why did you not say something then?" Shelton protested. "You gotta say something immediately."

Shelton still won the replayed point and held serve, refusing to allow the controversy to derail his push toward the final.

Emotional history made after dramatic finish

Tiafoe's disappointment was obvious after the defeat, but Shelton immediately acknowledged the bond between the two Americans.

"He's like a big brother to me, to be honest," Shelton said. "This is both our favorite tournament in the world, our favorite court in the world."

Shelton then paid tribute to his family after completing the biggest run of his career.

"My dad, my mom have sacrificed a lot for me to be in this position today," he said. "My dad lost his mom earlier this year, and she's the reason that he was able to play tennis. Without her, there's no Ben Shelton standing here today. So this one is for her."

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