Shelton stuns Alcaraz in latest-ever US Open finish to reach semi-finals
Ben Shelton defeated Carlos Alcaraz in a five-set US Open quarter-final that ended at 03:34 local time, the latest finish in tournament history. The win sends Shelton into a semi-final against fellow American Frances Tiafoe.
Carlos Alcaraz's US Open title defence ended in a dramatic five-set quarter-final defeat to Ben Shelton, with the match finishing at 03:34 local time — the latest conclusion in the tournament's history.
The contest on Arthur Ashe Stadium stretched four hours and 28 minutes, with a large crowd staying deep into the night to watch an unpredictable, high-quality match. Play did not start until around 11pm in New York after earlier matches delayed the evening session.
Eighth seed Shelton won 6-7 (5-7) 6-1 6-3 1-6 7-6 (10-7), earning a standing ovation from the crowd at the finish. It was the biggest win of the 23-year-old's career: he had previously failed in 17 attempts to beat a top-three ranked opponent, including three prior losses to Alcaraz himself.
Path to the semi-finals
The victory also keeps alive American hopes of a first men's singles champion in New York since Andy Roddick in 2003 — a tournament that took place before Shelton was born. He will now face compatriot Frances Tiafoe in Friday's semi-final, guaranteeing an American finalist.
For Alcaraz, this was his first tournament back after more than four months out with a wrist injury. The seven-time Grand Slam champion had impressed on his return, including a straight-sets win over 20th seed Tommy Paul to reach the quarter-finals.
But his lack of match fitness appeared to tell against Shelton, in an intense encounter marked by long rallies and remarkable athletic displays from both players. Even as Alcaraz appeared to tire, the two-time US Open champion forced a decisive fifth set and took the match all the way to a tense 10-point deciding tie-break.
