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Ben Shelton was full of gratitude for his family after reaching his biggest career milestone to date, the 2026 US Open final.
“It’s a lot of emotion. My mum and dad sacrificed a lot for me to be in this position today,” Shelton said in a press conference after beating fellow USA tennis player Frances Tiafoe in the semi-finals on Friday (11 September).
The first person the tennis player went to after winning the match was his father, Bryan Shelton, rushing to embrace him along with his other coaching staff.
“My dad lost his mum earlier this year. She’s the reason he was able to play tennis.
“Without her there’s no Ben Shelton standing here today. This one is for her.”
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