According to sports reporting from Flushing Meadows, the early rounds of the US Open unfolded through a series of emotional farewells, anchored by Gaël Monfils’s grand departure inside Louis Armstrong Stadium against 20-year-old Learner Tien. While Tien competed in front of his home crowd as one of the Americans capable of a deep run, the 40-year-old Frenchman commanded the arena during his straight-sets defeat. Beyond his enduring popularity, Monfils’s departure highlighted the deep esteem held by fellow professionals, particularly black players who watched him break ground in men’s tennis alongside retired compatriot Jo-Wilfried Tsonga.
The Rise of a New Generation in Men’s Tennis
As Monfils bows out, a new generation of black men’s players has consolidated top positions in the sport, according to tournament records. Last month, the Cincinnati Open featured two black players competing in a Masters 1000 final for the first time when 22-year-old Frenchman Arthur Fils defeated Frances Tiafoe to win his first big title. That victory followed Ben Shelton’s triumph at the Canadian Open in Montreal. According to player accounts, Tiafoe spent his youth looking up to Monfils, Fils considers Monfils an older brother, and Naomi Osaka refers to him simply as “the Goat.”
Historic US Open Semi-Final Stakes
Tiafoe and Shelton are scheduled to compete against each other in the US Open semi-finals on Friday night, according to tournament draws. According to historical records, the winner will become the first black man since Jo-Wilfried Tsonga at the 2008 Australian Open, and the first African American man since 1996 Wimbledon finalist MaliVai Washington, to reach a grand slam final. The victor will attempt to become the third black man to win a grand slam title, following Arthur Ashe and Yannick Noah. With Félix Auger-Aliassime holding a semi-finalist position last year, four black players currently sit inside the ATP’s top 11.
Did you know? Ben Shelton and Frances Tiafoe have faced each other three times in four main draw appearances at the US Open, with Shelton winning their quarter-final and Tiafoe winning a five-set third-round match in 2024, according to tournament history.
Rivalry and Preparation Heading Into Friday
Shelton and Tiafoe have developed a close friendship that translates into highly competitive, athletic matchups on court, according to match reports. Shelton arrives at this stage after delivering the biggest win of his career over defending champion Carlos Alcaraz. Tiafoe enters the match following a season marked by increased professional focus and maturity at age 28. With no multiple grand-slam champions or all-time greats remaining in the draw—which also features top seed Alexander Zverev against Karen Khachanov—both Americans face an open path to the title.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was the last African American man to reach a grand slam final before this tournament?
According to tennis history records, MaliVai Washington reached the Wimbledon final in 1996.
Which players are competing in the US Open semi-final match on Friday night?
American players Frances Tiafoe and Ben Shelton will face each other in the US Open semi-finals, according to tournament schedules.
How many black players are currently in the ATP top 11?
According to ATP rankings data, there are four black players inside the top 11.
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