Outfit of the Day: Ben Shelton and Frances Tiafoe’s sherbet-colored sleeveless battle

NEW YORK—Frances Tiafoe and Nike, or Ben Shelton and On?

Friday afternoon in Flushing Meadows featured a highly entertaining battle between two touted American players, who put on a show on Arthur Ashe Stadium across five roller-coaster sets.

Read More: Frances Tiafoe tops Ben Shelton in five-set US Open rematch

But for fans of tennis fashion, Tiafoe’s third-round victory over good friend Shelton was also a showcase of the two best sherbet-swirl inspired men’s kits of the tournament.

After No. 20 seed Tiafoe completed a grueling 4-6, 7-5, 6-7 (5), 6-4, 6-3 win in just over four hours, we’re breaking down the details behind the purple, pink and blue sportswear that made a memorable splash during Week 1 in Queens.

Tiafoe’s big personality is always reflected in his on-court style—from his preference for a bold print or loud color, to the chaotic row of sneakers and discarded shirts lined up by his chair during matches.

Read More: The Fashion Five: Frances Tiafoe never met a funky print he didn’t like

The 26-year-old Maryland native usually opts for a basketball-inspired tank and shorts combo, and at the US Open he’s been wearing pieces from the Nike New York Collection including a purple Fall Slam Sleeveless Top and matching Dri Fit Advantage Short.

He completed the look with a slightly contrasting pair of Nike Zoom GP Challenge 1 Premium shoes in crimson, orange and black.

At the US Open, Tiafoe has carved his way to the fourth round with victories over Aleksandar Kovacevic and Alexander Shevchenko (via retirement). He shared a long embrace at the net with No. 13 seed Shelton after booking his spot in the US Open second week.

“At the net, he (Ben) was just saying, you know, you're so cold at tennis. You better keep going. And he was pissed that I was so casual on that volley at the end,” Tiafoe said of their post-match exchange.

“I was, like, Dude, it looked casual but I was tight as hell! He's just saying a bunch of kind words and stuff like that.”

During his run to the third round, Shelton has been wearing a limited-edition colorway of On’s classic Court Tank and Court Shorts—both of which feature the brand’s signature gradient hues in purple, pink and blue.

The 21-year-old completed the look with The Roger Pro 2, the second edition of the signature performance tennis shoe designed in collaboration with Roger Federer.

Shelton signed a head-to-toe deal with On in 2023, alongside WTA world No. 1 Iga Swiatek, with the company unveiling a tennis-specific apparel collection earlier this year.

“One of those cool environments in matches to be a part of,” Shelton said of the moment afterward. “It didn't feel right to just go up with a negative look on my face, shake his hand and walk off the court, because he played some great ball today.

“I told him, you know, keep serving like that, keep returning like that, and see where this thing goes. Obviously he took me out here, so let's see what he can do.”

No. 20 seed Tiafoe will face No. 28 seed Alexei Popyrin in the next round, after the Aussie upended the men's draw with his four-set stunner over 24-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic.