Zverev the favourite at US Open semis; Shelton and Tiafoe carry home hope after dramatic runs

# Snapshot Alexander Zverev goes into the US Open semi-finals as the firm favourite, with the men's semis scheduled for Arthur Ashe Stadium on Friday. He meets Karen Khachanov in the earlier match. Later, Ben Shelton and Frances Tiafoe play an all-American semi that carries additional historical significance for U.S. men's tennis.

# Why Zverev is front-runner Zverev is presented as the top seed and the player to beat based on his form at this Grand Slam. He won his first major earlier in the year and has been talked about as one of the best players currently on tour. His semi-final against Khachanov is scheduled not before 3pm local time (8pm UK time).

# Shelton's path and momentum Ben Shelton reached the semi-finals after a high-profile win over defending champion Carlos Alcaraz in a match that finished very late at night. Shelton described that match as "a war" and "the most enjoyable match that I've had in my career." This is his third major semi-final appearance, following the 2023 US Open and the 2025 Australian Open.

# Tiafoe's comeback and reset

Lindsay Davenport's comment is included as an external perspective: she highlighted Tiafoe's turnaround and willingness to change his life to prioritise tennis, noting his ability to fight back in matches now.

# The American angle

# Schedule and viewing Semifinal order: Zverev vs Khachanov not before 3pm local (8pm UK). Shelton vs Tiafoe scheduled for 7pm local (midnight UK). Sky Sports Tennis and streaming options listed for live coverage.

# Concrete things to watch

• Zverev's consistency and experience in late-stage matches.
• Alcaraz and whether it will translate to a final if he advances.

• The historical stakes for American men and the additional narrative if a Black American reaches the final.

# Bottom line Zverev is the statistical and narrative favourite, but Shelton's upset of Alcaraz and Tiafoe's renewed form mean the all-American semi has real momentum and a meaningful historical subplot. The matches on Friday will decide whether the US Open final features a dominant favourite or a breakthrough American.