Ben Shelton stunned defending champion Carlos Alcaraz in a five-set US Open thriller, earning the biggest win of his career in a historic finish.
NEW YORK — Ben Shelton delivered the biggest victory of his career Wednesday, stunning defending champion Carlos Alcaraz in a dramatic five-set US Open quarterfinal that became the latest-finishing match in tournament history.
The No. 8 seed American battled back after losing the opening set to defeat Alcaraz 6-7(5), 6-1, 6-3, 1-6, 7-6(10-7) at Arthur Ashe Stadium.
The four-hour, 28-minute thriller ended at 3:33 a.m. local time, setting a new record for the latest finish in US Open history. Shelton sealed the victory with a 146-mph ace.
Shelton ends Alcaraz’s title defense
Alcaraz entered the quarterfinal as the defending champion and had won 18 consecutive Grand Slam matches.
The Spaniard appeared in control early, taking the opening set in a tiebreak. Shelton responded emphatically, however, winning the next two sets and at one stage taking nine straight games.
Alcaraz fought back in the fourth set to force a deciding fifth, setting up a tense finish in front of an increasingly energetic Arthur Ashe Stadium crowd.
The decisive set ultimately went to a 10-point tiebreak, where Shelton maintained his composure to complete the upset.
A breakthrough win for Shelton
The victory marked Shelton’s first career win over Alcaraz after losing their previous three meetings.
It was also Shelton’s first victory over a Top 3 opponent and the biggest win of his career, according to the US Open. The American had previously reached the semifinals in New York in 2023, but this victory sends him back to the final four with a chance to reach his first Grand Slam final.
Shelton’s powerful serve proved particularly important throughout the match. His ability to generate free points and dictate rallies helped him withstand Alcaraz’s late comeback.
The American had entered the tournament in strong form after winning the Masters 1000 event in Toronto earlier this summer.
Alcaraz battled through difficult night
The defeat ended Alcaraz’s attempt to defend his US Open championship.
The Spaniard was also playing his first major tournament after a four-and-a-half-month absence caused by a right wrist injury. Despite struggling physically at points during the match, he fought his way back into contention in the fourth and fifth sets.
After the match, Alcaraz praised Shelton’s performance and pointed to the American’s serve as a major difference-maker in the decisive moments.
Rather than dwell on the loss, Alcaraz said he was proud of how he competed during his return to Grand Slam tennis.
All-American semifinal awaits
Shelton’s reward is an all-American semifinal against Frances Tiafoe.
Tiafoe also survived a five-set quarterfinal, defeating fellow American Alex Michelsen to reach his third US Open semifinal.
The result guarantees that an American man will reach the US Open final, keeping alive the country’s hopes of ending a long wait for a men’s Grand Slam champion.
The United States has not had a men’s Grand Slam singles champion since Andy Roddick won the US Open in 2003.
For Shelton, however, the focus now shifts from the historic victory over Alcaraz to an opportunity that could become even bigger.
After surviving one of the most dramatic matches of the tournament, the American is two wins away from his first Grand Slam championship.
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