Updated
Updated · Yahoo Sports · Sep 12
Tiafoe's 4-set US Open Loss to Shelton Goes Viral as Tunnel Footage Divides Fans
Updated
Updated · Yahoo Sports · Sep 12

Tiafoe's 4-set US Open Loss to Shelton Goes Viral as Tunnel Footage Divides Fans

3 articles · Updated · Yahoo Sports · Sep 12

Summary

  • Frances Tiafoe left the court in tears after a 6-4, 3-6, 3-6, 5-7 US Open semi-final loss to Ben Shelton, with tunnel footage of him covering his face with a towel spreading widely online.
  • The 28-year-old had taken the opening set but faded as Shelton fought back, sealing his first Grand Slam final when Tiafoe ended the match with his second double fault.
  • Fan reaction split quickly: some said the hallway camera invaded Tiafoe's privacy during a raw moment, while others blamed him for another missed chance under pressure.
  • The defeat leaves Tiafoe 0-3 in US Open semi-finals, though he will rise to a career-high No. 8; Shelton moves to No. 4 and faces Alexander Zverev in Sunday's final.

Insights

What hidden tactical shift allowed Ben Shelton to completely dismantle Frances Tiafoe after dropping the first set of their historic semifinal clash?
Will the fierce backlash over broadcasting Frances Tiafoe's private tunnel tears force the US Open to finally change its invasive camera policies?
Can 23-year-old Ben Shelton overcome a winless career record against Alexander Zverev to end the decades-long Grand Slam drought for American men?