Ben Shelton has opened up on his thoughts about facing Novak Djokovic in the semi-finals of the US Open.

Rising talent Shelton has continued his breakthrough with a four-set win over his compatriot and tenth seed Frances Tiafoe. The two Americans battled it out on home soil, but the 20-year-old's powerful serve helped him to emerge victorious 6-2, 3-6, 7-6 (7), 6-2.

This is only Shelton's second time competing at the New York major, after he received a wild card last year and lost in the first round to Nuno Borges. However, this year's dream run is about to meet its toughest challenge yet as he prepares to face Djokovic in the semi-finals.

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Shelton makes light of Djokovic threat

During his on-court interview after the match, Shelton was asked by Brad Gilbert if he knew who he was facing next.

"Yeah. He’s won maybe 23 of these… something like that," Shelton jokingly replied with a smile, referring to the fact that Djokovic has won 23 Grand Slam titles throughout his career so far.

Shelton went on to give his thoughts on the match-up, which will be his first meeting with the Big Three member.

"I mean it doesn't get much better than that," he said, "It's been tough the last two matches, I've been playing Americans [Tommy Paul and Tiafoe], but hopefully you guys [the crowd] bring it for me two nights from now."

This evoked a loud response of cheers and applause from the home crowd.

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Throughout the tournament so far, Djokovic has looked to be very much on form, winning all-but-one of his matches in straight sets. In his quarter-final match, he ousted Shelton's fellow American player and ninth seed Taylor Fritz with little difficulty, defeating him 6-1, 6-4, 6-4.

Nevertheless, it will be good for Shelton's energy to have the crowd support firmly back behind him after facing American players for two matches, and there's never 0 chance of an upset occurring.