Ben Shelton powered his way into the US Open final with an impressive four-set win over Frances Tiafoe in an epic all-American semi-final.

Both players were bidding to reach their first Grand Slam final and put on a show for a raucous crowd on Arthur Ashe Stadium, with eighth seed Shelton coming from a set down to win 4-6 6-3 6-3 7-5.

Neither American was overawed by the occasion and they lived up to their reputations as dazzling shot-makers but, after three hours and 17 minutes, it was Shelton who won through.

The 23-year-old will face Alexander Zverev in Sunday’s showpiece after the top seed beat unseeded Russian Karen Khachanov 6-3 7-6 (9-7) 7-6 (8-6) to reach a third Grand Slam final in a row and continue his bid for a second major of the year.

Shelton becomes the first black American male player to reach the US Open singles final since Arthur Ashe in 1972, and the first black male player to reach a Grand Slam singles final since Jo-Wilfried Tsonga was beaten in the 2008 Australian Open final.

He is aiming to become the first American male player to lift the US Open singles title since Andy Roddick in 2003.

Asked about the weight of history on his shoulders before Sunday’s showpiece, Shelton said: “It’s a lot of emotion. My mum and dad sacrificed a lot for me to be in this position today.

“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.”

Shelton, who is close friends with Tiafoe off the court, said it was extra special to face him at Flushing Meadows.

“Frances is like a big brother to me, every time that we get to take to this court together and play each other is super special,” said Shelton, who also paid tribute to those affected by the 9/11 attacks 25 years ago in his on-court interview.

“This is both of our favourite tournament, our favourite court in the world and to be able to light it up in front of you guys [the crowd] is the best feeling there is.”

After losing his previous two major semi-finals, Shelton can now look forward to his maiden final and will aim to end a 23-year wait for an American winner in the men’s singles of a Grand Slam.

Since Roddick’s triumph at Flushing Meadows in 2003 – 11 months after Shelton was born – an American man has only reached a Grand Slam final on six previous occasions, most recently Taylor Fritz two years ago in New York.

To end the drought and emulate Roddick will require another first of Shelton as he has lost all five previous meetings with Zverev, but with the confidence gained from this run and the backing of a partisan crowd, there is a chance to make history.

“I’m going to need you guys on Sunday to bring the energy,” Shelton added.

“I’m going to leave it all on the court and I hope you guys come and back me. Let’s do this for the USA.”