An all-American U.S. Open quarterfinal between Frances Tiafoe and Ben Shelton — no, make that an all-African-American quarterfinal — Tuesday night on Arthur Ashe Stadium won’t just be a moment.
It’ll be a monumental one.
American men’s tennis has gone through a dry spell, without a Grand Slam win since 2003.
Two years later was the last time three U.S. men had reached the quarterfinals in Flushing Meadows, as Tiafoe, Shelton and Taylor Fritz have this year.
But it’s deeper than that.
In a sport that had for generations been largely viewed as rich and white, having two black men playing under the brightest lights on the biggest stage — named after a black man — is huge for minorities in tennis, and people of color specifically.
“It’s going to be good. It’s going to be a great atmosphere, great representation for people of color, right? Two people of color playing in the quarterfinals, huge match on Arthur Ashe,” Tiafoe said. “It’s a pretty monumental moment. I’m pretty excited to compete against him. Hopefully it’s a great battle.”
It’s a battle in which no matter who comes out victorious, the winner is American tennis.
“I just want to go out there and win a tennis match. The bigger picture things, tennis is going to win,” said Tiafoe. “More important, an American is going to be in the semis.”
Not since Andre Agassi, James Blake and Robby Ginepri in 2005 have three U.S. men reached the quarters here; and no American man has won any major since Andy Roddick’s title here 20 years ago, when Shelton was just months old.
“Yeah, it’s a really cool opportunity for American tennis. This is what you guys always talk to us about: Who’s going to be the next Grand Slam champion? Who’s going to do it? I always have the same reply: American tennis is going in a great direction,” Shelton said. “It’s pretty cool to know at least one American is going to be in the semifinals.”
Born to immigrants who escaped civil war in Sierra Leone, Tiafoe lived in the Junior Tennis Champions Center in College Park (Md.) that his day-laborer father helped build and clean.
Last year he beat Rafael Nadal en route to the U.S. Open semis and followed by becoming just the third black American to crack the top-10.
Tiafoe, who practiced in a Kyle Kuzma jersey, has drawn musical artists, NBA players and celebrities into the sport.
It’s much-needed, according to USTA GM of Player Development Martin Blackman.
“He’s a big draw,” Blackman told The Post. “The cultural relevance is growing. The GQ feature, what he did to launch his foundation, yeah he’s just really compelling and really relatable. It speaks to the importance of having American champions. It’s so important for the health of the game to have kids be able to look on the screen or look from the crowd and see people that look like them.”
At 25, Tiafoe is more in the class of Fritz and Tommy Paul, the latter Shelton’s fourth-round victim. And he’s taken Shelton, 20, under his wing.
“Frances as a player is electric. He’s been like a brother to me since I’ve been out here on tour … but he’s a nightmare to play,” Shelton said. “He’s one of those guys where it’s must-see TV. … He has that Carlos Alcaraz effect, especially here in New York. This is his place where he really wants to show up. To be able to play against him in the quarterfinals on Arthur Ashe is pretty special.”
Shelton is coached by his father, Bryan, a former pro. And he powered his way into Tuesday with a 149 mph lefty serve — the fastest of the tourney — an aggressive serve-and-volley game and impressive athleticism.
“He’s a great player. He’s fun to watch,” Tiafoe said. “He’s great for the sport. It’s cool to see a guy like that play.
“It’s great. Ben has wanted to play me at the Open for a long time, so he’s going to be super excited. He’s going to come out with a lot of energy. I’m just going to have to tame him down, try to be the vet and get the win.”
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