Tiafoe v Shelton US Open semi-final a legacy of the departing Gaël Monfils
Veteran Frenchman bowed out in New York but the clash of two black players in the last four of the men’s singles is testament to his effect
TL;DR
- Gaël Monfils's farewell at the US Open coincides with a significant moment for black players in men's tennis.
- Frances Tiafoe and Ben Shelton are set to compete in the US Open semi-finals, a historic match between two black men.
- The rise of players like Arthur Fils, Ben Shelton, and Frances Tiafoe signifies a new era in men's tennis, with several black athletes now top contenders.
- Monfils, along with Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, has been a significant figure for black players in men's tennis.
- The US Open semi-final between Tiafoe and Shelton is particularly meaningful for American men's tennis, which has not had a US Open champion since 2003.
- Both Tiafoe and Shelton have reached three major semi-finals, and this match represents their biggest opportunity yet to reach a grand slam final.