Of course, a daytime slot for the Tiafoe vs Shelton match. Brilliant decision, US Open

American tennis fans has been left disappointed after it was confirmed that the clash between local players Frances Tiafoe and Ben Shelton will not going to be played under light at the US Open 2024. The fourth and final Grand Slam of the year is well and truly underway where players from all over the world are participating to showcase their talent to secure the ultimate prize.

One of the most anticipated clashes on Friday will be between two local players, Tiafoe and Shelton. The former managed to book his place in the competition after being awarded a walkover against Kazakhstan’s Alexander Shevchenko. On the other hand, Shelton secured his place in the round of 32 after beating Roberto Bautista Agut of Spain in straight sets with a score of 6-3, 6-4, 6-4.

It was anticipated that the match will be played under light. However, as per the latest report, the authorities have decided against it and instead the night match will feature world number two and defending champion Serbia’s Novak Djokovic taking on Australia’s Alexei Popyrin. The 37-year-old, who is already regarded as the greatest player in the history of men’s tennis in the singles category, was awarded a walkover in the third-round contest against fellow countryman Laslo Djere. On the other hand, Popyrin secured his place in the next round after beating Spain’s Pedro Martinez in straight sets with a score of 6-2, 6-4, 6-0.

Talking ahead of the contest, Tiafoe expressed excitement to face a player of Shelton’s quality in the night time. He also praise the 21-year-old, who according to him has all the shots to trouble any opponent.

“It has to be a night session, it has to be,” he said. “I definitely want to play against him,” added Tiafoe. “Obviously he is very much like me and how excited and energetic he is on the court and has such a big game and big shots and serves big and gets the crowd going. And he is 20-21 years old. As a guy, he’s just young and funny and cracks jokes and is just about as immature as I am. We always have fun joking around and cracking jokes for sure.Obviously he has got one of the better serves on the tour, no question. Especially lefty and he hit all spots and all change paces quite well so that is going to be tough I’m super excited.”