The United States hasn't had a men's Grand Slam champion crowned since Andy Roddick in 2003. Well, on Friday in the 2026 US Open semifinals, we have an all-USA matchup between Ben Shelton and Frances Tiafoe.
Our staff has a pick for that anticipated duel and the other semifinal, Alexander Zverev vs. Karen Khachanov.
Continue reading below to find our US Open predictions and picks below for the men's semifinals.
US Open Predictions, Picks, Odds — Friday, Sept. 11
Zverev vs Khachanov Odds
| Alexander Zverev Odds | -487 |
| Karen Khachanov Odds | +358 |
| Spread | Zverev -5.5 (-120), Khachanov +5.5 (-125) |
| Over/Under | 38.5 (-115o / -130u) |
| Time | How to Watch | Friday, Approx. 3 p.m. ET | ESPN |
| Odds via DraftKings | |
By: Tudor Cosma
Zverev has become one of the few players in history to reach at least the semifinals of all four Grand Slams in a season, a feat that certifies his value and place as a future Hall of Famer.
He's a Grand Slam champion at Roland Garros, he lost the Wimbledon final in a tight one to Jannik Sinner and now he's the favorite to win the US Open.
However, Zverev has played poorly this summer, losing to Tallon Griekspoor and Tommy Paul. He even has struggled in New York, needing five sets to top Lorenzo Sonego and Quentin Halys in the first two rounds.
In the quarters, he defeated Botic van de Zandschulp in straight sets, but he had many weak moments, committing too many double faults while looking unhappy on the court.
Meanwhile, Karen Khachanov didn't come into this tournament in fine form either, recently losing to Terence Atmane and Aleksandar Kovacevic.
In addition, he took advantage of his chances in New York because he met two players with medical issues in Felix Auger-Aliassime and Alexander Blockx, with the latter withdrawing during the quarterfinal match.
Regardless, Khachanov is playing well and seems confident. He's mature, as he's playing in his third Grand Slam semifinal, so he won't be intimidated by the stage.
I think he can win at least one set — and potentially keep the others tight — so I'll go with the over.
Pick: Over 38.5
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Shelton vs Tiafoe Odds
| Ben Shelton Odds | -325 |
| Frances Tiafoe Odds | +253 |
| Spread | Shelton -3.5 (-165), Tiafoe +3.5 (+105) |
| Over/Under | 39.5 (-135o / -110u) |
| Time | How to Watch | Friday, Approx. 7 p.m. ET | ESPN |
| Odds via DraftKings | |
By: Tudor Cosma
Tiafoe is coming off a stunning match and a sensational comeback. Down two sets to zero against Alex Michelsen — who also had a break in the third set and was serving for the match — Tiafoe managed to turn the tide of the match, helped by the energy coming from the stands.
That doesn't mean that he played well in that match, though. He serve was shaky as he offered 23 break points while giving up that serve eight times.
However ,the way he fought was impressive, and this is his third semifinal in this stadium (lost the first two in five sets).
In the other corner, Shelton is also coming off an epic match that ended at 3:33 a.m. The victory against Carlos Alcaraz was impressive because it showed how strong Shelton is physically and mentally.
He served well (as usual) as he only gave up three breaks in a five-set match. Alcaraz is also one of the best returners in the sport, so there's no harm done there.
The difference in this match will be made by Shelton's serve. The American is very confident with his main weapon, and I don't think he'll miss out on reaching his first Grand Slam final.
Shelton should win by four games or more, and that'll give him a chance to make American tennis history on Sunday.
Pick: Ben Shelton Game Spread -3.5
