If Ashe can help 23-year-old Shelton earn his first career win over Alcaraz, there is guaranteed to be an American player in the final.
Home stars reaching the men’s semi-finals has not been uncommon this century, but only Taylor Fritz has reached the final – two years ago when he lost to Jannik Sinner – since Roddick was beaten by Roger Federer in the 2006 final.
Tiafoe, who is seeded 11th, lost to Fritz in another all-American semi-final and was also eliminated by Alcaraz at the same stage in 2022.
Now the 28-year-old is aiming for a third opportunity to reach his first Grand Slam final.
Tiafoe reached the Cincinnati final last month and, thriving off the energy of the New York crowd, has maintained his momentum.
On what it is like to receive such support, he said: “It’s an out-of-body experience, no question. No real explaining that type of feeling.
“It’s like you’re not even touching the ground at one point. Energy is so high, and it seems like the level of play matches that.”
While Tiafoe is one of the sport’s great entertainers, 22-year-old Michelsen is more understated.
The world number 46 admits he has been happy to fly “under the radar” at Flushing Meadows while the likes of Tiafoe, Shelton, Fritz and Tommy Paul soak up the attention.
But earning a place in a Grand Slam quarter-final for the first time, and not dropping a set on his way, means Michelsen will find himself under the spotlight on Ashe.
“First, second, third rounds, all matches I’m feeling nerves. It’s a human experience,” he said.
“But it’s just about going out there and managing them to the best of my ability. I feel like I’ve done that very well.”
