Ben Shelton becomes youngest United States player in two decades to reach men's singles quarterfinals at US Open 

The youngster will take on countryman Frances Tiafoe for a maiden semi-finals appearance.

Ben Shelton defeated compatriot 14th seed Tommy Paul (6-4, 6-3, 4-6, 6-4) and advanced to the quarter-finals of US Open 2023. 20-year-old Shelton, took his revenge over Tommy Paul, who earlier defeated him at the season's first Grand Slam - Australian Open in January. With this win the American has become the youngest from the country since Andy Roddick in 2002, to advance for the last eight.

Roddick, the 2003 US Open champion, exited in the quarterfinals stage that year. Shelton has an opportunity to go further and reach his maiden Grand Slam semi-finals when he takes on countryman and 10th seed Frances Tiafoe.

It took Shelton nearly three hours to beat fellow American Tommy Paul to reach his first US Open quarterfinals and second overall this year after the Australian Open. The southpaw saved 11 of the 14 break points on the way to avenging his Australian Open quarterfinals loss to Paul, who was also looking to reach his first-ever US Open quarterfinals.

Down to big serves

Ben Shelton used his service games to good effect and sent down 16 aces compared to his opponent’s six. Among the 16, one recorded the service speed of 149 mph - the fastest at US Open 2023 so far. The American also converted six of eight break points in his favour and sent down 36 winners. 

Courtesy of his latest win, Shelton will rise to a career-high ranking of 27, with a chance to go higher should he advance deeper into the tournament. At least one American is guaranteed to make it to the semi-finals, as Frances Tiafoe defeated Australian wildcard entry Rinky Hijikata 6-4, 6-1, 6-4.