Neither of them deserved it, but one had to go.
Redemption was served.
Yes, both will remain at the forefront of American men’s tennis for the foreseeable future.
But Frances Tiafoe finally has bragging rights in this friendly rivalry, perhaps restoring her status as one of America’s best hopes to break her 21-year Grand Slam drought.
The highly anticipated US Open revenge between No. 13-ranked Ben Shelton and No. 20 Tiafoe — two of the best and most popular American men’s players — came earlier than desired, in the third round Friday afternoon at Arthur Ashe Stadium.
Last year, Shelton beat Tiafoe in the quarterfinals in what turned out to be one of the most memorable matches of the tournament.
If last year’s classic was the appetizer, Friday’s 4:03, five-set encore was the main course.
Shelton, still just 21 years old, and Tiafoe, 26, pretty much matched each other shot for shot, and it ended with another result.
just over four hours. Charles Wenzelberg
Tiafoe beat Shelton, 4-6, 7-5, 7-6 (7-5), 6-4, 6-3 to advance to the fourth round.
He will face the winner of (No. 2) Novak Djokovic-Alexei Popyrin (No. 28).
Every time it looked like Shelton was about to pull away, it was Tiafoe who fought his way back into the match.
But Tiafoe kept coming back and eventually had more energy towards the end.