Ben Shelton Defeats Frances Tiafoe to Advance in Washington Semifinals

In a highly anticipated match at the Mubadala Citi DC Open, Ben Shelton triumphed over local favorite Frances Tiafoe with a score of 7-6(2), 6-4, securing his place in the semifinals of the ATP 500 event. The match took place on July 26, 2025, amidst a vibrant atmosphere as Shelton, seeded fourth in the tournament, displayed remarkable skill and resilience against the sixth-seeded Tiafoe, who had captured the support of the home crowd.

Shelton, a 22-year-old rising star in the tennis world, showcased his powerful forehand and strategic shot-making throughout the match. After facing a brief setback, where he was broken to love at 5-5 in the first set, he quickly regrouped to break Tiafoe’s serve and force a tiebreak. In this tiebreak, he dominated, hitting a remarkable 144 mph ace that highlighted his serving prowess. According to the ATP Tour, this victory marks Shelton's fourth semifinal appearance of the year and elevates him to a career-high ranking of No. 7 in the PIF ATP Rankings, effective from the following Monday.

This victory also allowed Shelton to avenge his previous defeat to Tiafoe at the 2024 US Open, improving his head-to-head record against the 27-year-old to 3-1. Shelton expressed his admiration for Tiafoe, stating, "It’s tough not to cheer for a guy like that,” emphasizing the camaraderie that exists among players in the competitive circuit.

In the second set, Shelton faced a grueling five-deuce game at 3-3 but managed to break Tiafoe's serve, effectively sealing the match. With this win, he becomes the third American player this century to reach the semifinals in Washington in consecutive years, joining the ranks of tennis legends like Andre Agassi and Steve Johnson.

Looking ahead, Shelton's next opponent will be either top seed Taylor Fritz or 12th seed Alejandro Davidovich Fokina. As he approaches a significant milestone of his career, three victories shy of 100 tour-level wins, the tennis community is keenly watching his progress.

The match not only highlights Shelton's growing prominence in the sport but also reflects the competitive nature of American tennis, with both players representing the future of the game. As Shelton continues his journey in the tournament, fans and analysts alike anticipate his potential impact in the upcoming rounds and the broader context of his career development in professional tennis.