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Frances Tiafoe has been compared to Carlos Alcaraz by the man who stands between the world No 10 and a second consecutive appearance in a US Open semi-final. At the age of 20, Ben Shelton has become the youngest man to reach the quarter-finals of the New York Grand Slam since Andy Roddick in 2002. The US star beat compatriot Tommy Paul 6-4, 6-3, 4-6, 6-4 in two hours and 50 minutes to set up another all-American clash in the final eight.

Tiafoe is considered the hot favourite against an opponent ranked 38 places below him and Shelton, who also reached the quarter-final stage of the Australian Open, has already lavished big praise on his fellow countryman.

The pair are good friends off the court and Shelton is all too aware of Tiafoe’s powerful ability to curry favour with spectators. Speaking in his press conference after victory against Paul, Shelton said: “Yeah, Frances as a player is electric.

“He’s kind of been like a brother to me since I’ve been out here on tour and a guy who has kind of told me that he believed in me from my first ATP tournament. Just a great guy off the court. But on the court a nightmare to deal with. He does so many things well. One of them being engaging the crowd.”

Taifoe made light work of Rinky Hijikata in the round of 16, cruising to a straight-sets victory 6-4, 6-1, 6-4. And Shelton described his daunting opponent as “must-see TV”, just like world No 1 Alcaraz.

“He’s just one of those guys where it’s must-see TV. You want to watch him play all the time,” added Shelton about Tiafoe.

“He kind of has that Carlos Alcaraz effect, especially here in New York. This is his place where he really wants to show up. To be able to play against him in the quarterfinals on Arthur Ashe is something that’s pretty special.

“There’s a million things Frances can do to try to throw me off. Who knows if he tries them or not. I wouldn’t be surprised if he does.”

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Shelton appears to accept that he is the underdog in Tuesday’s encounter and is expecting there to be some lighthearted banter between himself and pal Tiafoe on court. But even with a place in the semi-finals at stake, he insists that the pressure of the occasion won’t affect their friendship.

“I’m sure there could be a little chirp back and forth once or twice during the match. It’s all friendly stuff. We’re going to compete hard to make the semifinals of a slam, that’s for sure. I’m 100 per cent sure that we’re still going to be friends,” Shelton added.

The winner of the match will then face either compatriot Taylor Fritz or Novak Djokovic for a place in Sunday’s final.

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