Ranking the US Open men's semifinalists by title chances
Two American men have reached the US Open semifinals, guaranteeing an American finalist. Alexander Zverev is the top pick according to odds, while Ben Shelton's win over Alcaraz has boosted hopes. The article ranks the four remaining players by their chances of winning the title.
The semifinal bracket guarantees an American will reach the final for the first time since 2003, a drought the article attributes to the dominance of five generational players. With all five now eliminated, Shelton and Tiafoe represent the strongest domestic opportunity in over two decades, and the two will face each other for a spot in the championship match.
Shelton's quarterfinal victory over Alcaraz concluded at 3:30 AM, with the American employing serve-and-volley tactics that drew praise from John McEnroe on the broadcast. Zverev, meanwhile, arrives with a French Open title and Wimbledon final appearance already in 2026, and he faces Karen Khachanov in the semifinal with a more accurate serve than Shelton's.
The semifinal lineup could reshape how American tennis fans view the sport's competitive landscape after two decades of foreign dominance. A Shelton or Tiafoe title would likely boost youth participation and domestic viewership, while Zverev's potential win would cement a new era beyond the retired "Big Three" generation. The guaranteed American finalist may also draw casual sports fans who typically tune out tennis between majors, potentially expanding the sport's audience in the United States.