The all-American clash at the US Open involving Frances Tiafoe and Ben Shelton is still the talk of the town. The pre-match hype around the mega-battle even forced the organizers to shift Novak Djokovic to a day-session tie, and man, did it pay off! As the young gun Shelton blazed his trail into the semifinals, the experts’ takes prior to the fixture might just need some new reckoning.

For the Shelton-Tiafoe fixture, plenty of experts had their say as they clamored to have their voices heard. The verdict of American legends usually has plenty of impact on the fans’ expectations of these matches. One such set of legends, including Chris Evert, is regularly present on ‘The Tennis Podacast’ and the audience eagerly waits for their verdict. But Evert, who remained uncharacteristically indecisive, may just have ground to change her mind now!

Chris Evert’s prediction for Frances Tiafoe vs. Ben Shelton clash

The likes of Chris Evert and Patrick McEnroe, John McEnroe’s brother, were present at the Tennis Channel set before the high-octane clash. Ahead of America’s most awaited tennis encounter, they were analyzing the potential results. However, the usually sharp Chris Evert’s verdict – which is always held in high regard, given her career accolades – was vague.

Usually, Evert picks a side in such circumstances. But for this particular clash, Evert failed to drop her own prediction. In fact, she came up with a hilarious response as she pondered over her choices.

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When Patrick asked her about her feelings about the all-American encounter, Evert upped her humor game. “I’m feeling… uncomfortable,” said the 18-time major champion to send the other experts in a frenzy.

Ben Shelton prevailed in the match against Frances Tiafoe, 6-2, 3-6, 7-6(7), 6-2. With that, the 20-year-old also became the youngest American US Open semi-finalist in 30 years. He is now set to face Novak Djokovic in the semi-finals.

However, interestingly enough, Evert had recently snubbed the Americans while dropping her pre-tournament predictions.

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Evert shunned the Americans for Novak Djokovic

Going back to Evert’s pre-tournament prediction, she showed little faith in the American contingent this year. She tipped the ‘Serbinator’ to win the Slam and claim his 24th major title in New York. And even now, despite noticing the progressive results of American players on the circuit, Evert refused to write off one of the GOATs of the game.

“I wouldn’t pick an American on the men’s side. I’m rooting for Djokovic. He’s a champion and it will be a record as well,” Evert explained.

With Shelton having gotten one up over Tiafoe, the breakout American will take on Djokovic in the semi-final. Do you think that the new kid on the block can prove Evert wrong and go on to upset Djokovic? Or will the Serb add more glory to an already storied career? Let us know in the comments.

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