Ben Shelton’s Remarkable Victory Over Carlos Alcaraz in U.S. Open

Ben Shelton achieved an impressive victory against Carlos Alcaraz, ending the latter’s title defense in the U.S. Open. Shelton won the match with scores of 6-7 (5), 6-1, 6-3, 1-6, 7-6 (10-7), marking the latest finish in U.S. Open history at 3:33 a.m. on Wednesday. The intense battle lasted 4 hours and 28 minutes, resulting in the end of Alcaraz’s 18-match winning streak in Grand Slam tournaments.

Shelton is set to face Frances Tiafoe, the No. 11 seed, who secured his third U.S. Open semifinal appearance by defeating Alex Michelsen 5-7, 3-6, 7-5, 6-3, 7-6 (10-6). With his victory over Alcaraz, Shelton celebrated attaining the semifinals once again at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York City.

The presence of an American player is guaranteed for Sunday’s final, as the U.S. aims for its first men’s major title since Andy Roddick claimed victory in 2003. Alcaraz’s previous match finish record at the U.S. Open was set in a 2022 quarterfinal against Jannik Sinner, which concluded at 2:50 a.m., leading to Alcaraz securing his first Grand Slam title at age 19.

Many fans stayed until the end, providing Shelton with extra support against Alcaraz in Arthur Ashe Stadium, cheering with chants of “USA! USA!” Shelton expressed his admiration stating, “It’s incredible. I always say that this is the greatest sports city in the world. I’m just hoping that my best friend and my sister over there don’t have to be at work at 6 a.m. in three hours.”

In addition to Shelton’s victory, Aryna Sabalenka retained her hopes for a third consecutive U.S. Open title by narrowly defeating Wimbledon champion Linda Noskova. Alcaraz will need to wait for his next opportunity as Shelton advanced to his third major semifinal, previously reaching the final four in the 2023 U.S. Open and the 2025 Australian Open. Shelton dominated by securing nine consecutive games from early in the second set, eventually holding a 3-0 lead in the third set.

Alcaraz, competing in his first tournament since April due to a right wrist injury, showcased resilience despite vomiting before the final set. As the tiebreaker reached 5-3 in Alcaraz’s favor, Shelton rallied using powerful serves exceeding 140 mph alongside errors from Alcaraz. The match concluded with Shelton serving a 146 mph ball that Alcaraz could not return. Alcaraz holds a record of 15-2 in five-set matches and began the year with his seventh Grand Slam title at the Australian Open before his injury.