Frances Tiafoe (left) and Ben Shelton
CNN —
No matter who was to win Tuesday’s US Open quarterfinals match between Frances Tiafoe and Ben Shelton, history was going to be made: For the first time, two Black men faced off in the match.
Shelton came out on top in the milestone match, upsetting world No. 10 Tiafoe 6-2 3-6 7-6(7) 6-2 and booking a semifinal clash with 23-time grand slam winner Novak Djokovic.
It also was the first time since 2008 that two Black men played each other at Arthur Ashe Stadium. It’s been nearly two decades since an American male has won tennis’ US Open. And while much of the focus has been on whether 2023 will be the year that drought finally ends, tennis fans are taking a moment to savor this historic match up.
“This is something special, a cosmic event,” Art Carrington, a former professional tennis player who now coaches the sport, told CNN before the match.
Tiafoe and Shelton’s personalities, he said, “are going to enrich the game.”
The match between the two rising tennis stars has also renewed focus on Black men playing tennis. Tiafoe, 25, and Shelton, 20, faced each other at a stadium christened after the Black tennis legend who broke barriers in the game.
Arthur Ashe was the first African American man to be ranked No. 1 in tennis and the first to win numerous titles in the sport, including a singles title at the US Open, Australian Open and Wimbledon. He was also the first Black American to play on the United States Davis Cup team.
Carrington, who was once Ashe’s practice partner, told CNN it is important for younger generations to see Black men excelling at tennis.
“We got to have tennis where it’s visible, where people can see the (Black) people that are playing,” he said.
He also said while people know the story of Venus and Serena Williams’ path to tennis, “we just don’t hear enough family stories about African American men. This is a high point.”
Both Tiafoe and Shelton were surrounded by the sport at a young age.
A child of Sierra Leonean immigrants, Tiafoe and his family lived at a junior tennis champion center where his father worked in maintenance. A few years later, he enrolled in a tennis clinic at the center.
In 2022, he became the first Black American man to reach a US Open semifinal since Ashe in 1972.
Shelton is following in the footsteps of his father, Bryan, a tennis champion who won two professional titles and played on the Association of Tennis Professionals Tour.
Earlier this year, Shelton’s father resigned from coaching at the University of Florida to coach his son in professional tennis.
Carrington said for young Black Americans, getting exposure to tennis is essential for the sport. It’s up to the older generations, he said, to pass down their love for the game.
But ahead of Tuesday’s match, Carrington said if he were coaching Tiafoe and Shelton, he would tell them not to focus on the weight of this historic moment.
“Try to enjoy yourself,” he said. “Don’t play with stress. Let the stress go.”
CNN’s Ben Church contributed to this report.
As a tennis enthusiast with a deep understanding of the sport, I can confidently discuss the various concepts and historical context mentioned in the article about the US Open quarterfinals match between Frances Tiafoe and Ben Shelton.
First and foremost, the article highlights the historic nature of the match, as it marked the first time two Black men faced off in a US Open quarterfinals match. This is a significant milestone in tennis history, and it reflects the growing diversity and talent within the sport.
The match took place at Arthur Ashe Stadium, named after the legendary African American tennis player Arthur Ashe. Ashe was the first African American man to be ranked No. 1 in tennis, achieving numerous titles in major tournaments such as the US Open, Australian Open, and Wimbledon. Additionally, he was the first Black American to play on the United States Davis Cup team, breaking barriers and paving the way for future generations of Black tennis players.
The focus on Tiafoe and Shelton's personalities and their potential impact on the game emphasizes the broader significance of the match beyond the competition itself. Art Carrington, a former professional tennis player and coach, expressed the belief that the match is a "cosmic event" that will enrich the game, highlighting the importance of visibility for Black men excelling in tennis.
The article also sheds light on the backgrounds of the two players, emphasizing their early exposure to the sport. Tiafoe, the child of Sierra Leonean immigrants, grew up at a junior tennis champion center where his father worked. Shelton, on the other hand, is following in the footsteps of his father, Bryan, a former tennis champion who played on the ATP Tour.
Carrington's perspective on the importance of visibility for young Black Americans in tennis reinforces the idea that exposure to the sport is crucial for its growth among diverse communities. The role of older generations, including mentors and coaches, in passing down their love for the game is highlighted as a key factor in fostering future talent.
In conclusion, the article captures the historical significance of the Tiafoe vs. Shelton match, touching on themes of diversity, representation, and the legacy of Arthur Ashe. It provides insights into the players' backgrounds, their connections to the sport, and the broader impact of their presence on the tennis stage.
