Ben Shelton Ends Carlos Alcaraz US Open Reign
Ben Shelton ended Carlos Alcaraz’s US Open title reign in a dramatic five-set quarterfinal, winning 6-7 (5), 6-1, 6-3, 1-6, 7-6 (10-7) in the latest-finishing match in tournament history.
The marathon contest lasted four hours and 28 minutes before finally ending at 3:33am Wednesday, with Shelton holding his nerve in the deciding match tiebreak.
Ben Shelton Ends Alcaraz Winning Streak
Alcaraz saw his 18-match winning streak in Grand Slam tournaments come to an end as Shelton produced one of the biggest victories of his career.
The American seized control after losing the opening set, winning nine consecutive games from early in the second set to establish a 3-0 advantage in the third.
Alcaraz, however, refused to surrender and fought back to force a fifth set.
The Spaniard was playing his first tournament since April after recovering from a right wrist injury. He also vomited before the deciding set but continued to battle through the physical strain.
Shelton Reaches US Open Semifinal
Shelton eventually prevailed in the deciding match tiebreak to reach his third Grand Slam semifinal.
The American had previously reached the US Open semifinals in 2023 and the Australian Open last four in 2025.
His latest victory sets up an all-American semifinal against Frances Tiafoe.
Tiafoe, the No. 11 seed, also survived a five-set battle, defeating Alex Michelsen 5-7, 3-6, 7-5, 6-3, 7-6 (10-6).
Frances Tiafoe Sets Up US Open Clash
Tiafoe’s victory secured his third US Open semifinal appearance and ensured that an American man will feature in Sunday’s final.
The United States is chasing its first men’s Grand Slam title since Andy Roddick won the US Open in 2003.
The Shelton vs Tiafoe semifinal will therefore carry added significance as both Americans look to end the country’s long wait for a men’s major champion.
US Open Produces Marathon Drama
The Shelton-Alcaraz clash was the latest-finishing match in US Open history, surpassing Alcaraz’s previous record from his 2022 quarterfinal against Jannik Sinner, which ended at 2:50am.
Three of the four men’s and women’s singles quarterfinals went to match tiebreaks during a marathon day at Flushing Meadows.
Alcaraz’s defeat means he will have to wait for another opportunity to add to his US Open titles, while Shelton moves into the semifinals with momentum and home-crowd support behind him.
