Ben Shelton Defeats Carlos Alcaraz in Historic U.S. Open Match

Ben Shelton ended Carlos Alcaraz’s Grand Slam title defense in the latest-finishing match in U.S. Open history. Shelton secured a 6-7 (5), 6-1, 6-3, 1-6, 7-6 (10-7) victory that concluded at 3:33 a.m. on Wednesday. The contest lasted 4 hours and 28 minutes, halting Alcaraz’s 18-match winning streak in Grand Slam tournaments.

Shelton will next face No. 11 seed Frances Tiafoe in the semifinals. Tiafoe reached his third U.S. Open semifinal by defeating Alex Michelsen 5-7, 3-6, 7-5, 6-3, 7-6 (10-6) on Tuesday.

The U.S. is assured a finalist in Sunday’s final, pursuing its first men’s major title since Andy Roddick’s victory in 2003. Alcaraz previously played the latest U.S. Open finish when he defeated Jannik Sinner at 2:50 a.m. in the 2022 quarterfinals, en route to his first Grand Slam title at 19.

Thousands of fans stayed until the end, with Shelton gaining energy from the home crowd at Arthur Ashe Stadium. Fans chanted for him, giving him an advantage even against the popular Alcaraz.

“It’s incredible,” Shelton commented. “I always say this is the greatest sports city and stadium in the world. I’m just hoping my best friend and sister don’t have to be at work at 6 a.m.”

Three of the four singles quarterfinals were intense, each needing match tiebreakers. Aryna Sabalenka advanced by edging out Wimbledon champion Linda Noskova to maintain her bid for a third consecutive U.S. Open title.

Shelton reached his third major semifinal, having reached the final four in the 2023 U.S. Open and 2025 Australian Open. He gained control by winning nine straight games early in the second set, establishing a 3-0 lead in the third. Alcaraz, returning from a right wrist injury sustained in April, fought back despite his challenges.

Alcaraz led 5-3 in the tiebreaker courtesy of four consecutive points. However, Shelton, with serves surpassing 140 mph, combined with Alcaraz’s errors, rallied back to win. A 146 mph serve secured the match for Shelton.

Alcaraz now holds a 15-2 record in five-set matches. He began this year by winning his seventh Grand Slam title at the Australian Open, shortly before his injury.