Ben Shelton ends Carlos Alcaraz defence in US Open thriller

Ben Shelton produced the biggest victory of his career on Arthur Ashe Stadium, defeating defending champion Carlos Alcaraz in a five-set US Open quarter-final that finished at 3:34am local time.

The eighth-seeded American prevailed 6-7 (5-7), 6-1, 6-3, 1-6, 7-6 (10-7) after four hours and 28 minutes, ending Alcaraz's title defence and booking his place in the US Open semi-finals.

The match, which began shortly before 11pm following delays to the evening schedule, became the latest finish in US Open history. Shelton will now face fellow American Frances Tiafoe in the last four, guaranteeing a home player in the men's singles final.

Shelton survives five-set battle with Alcaraz

The contest repeatedly changed direction, with neither player able to maintain control for long. Alcaraz edged a tense opening set after recovering from a break down late in the set and eventually winning the tie-break 7-5.

Shelton responded emphatically.

The American won nine consecutive games across the second and third sets, turning a one-set deficit into a 2-1 lead. His aggressive left-handed game began to cause Alcaraz increasing problems, particularly when Shelton attacked the Spaniard's second serve and dictated exchanges from the baseline.

Alcaraz refused to surrender.

The two-time US Open champion raised his level in the fourth set, saving break points before eventually breaking Shelton twice to force a deciding set. By then, the match had become a physical test as much as a technical one.

Both players had opportunities in the fifth set, but neither could find the decisive break. The match therefore went to a 10-point tie-break to determine who would advance.

Shelton holds his nerve in deciding tie-break

The final breaker provided a fitting conclusion to one of the tournament's most dramatic matches.

Shelton moved ahead 3-1 before Alcaraz responded to take a 5-3 lead. The American then regained control, winning five of the next six points to move within touching distance of victory.

An ace finally sealed the contest.

Shelton's victory was particularly significant given his previous struggles against the highest-ranked players.

Before facing Alcaraz, he had lost all 17 of his previous matches against top-three opponents. He also entered the quarter-final having lost each of his three previous meetings with the Spaniard.

That record is now history.

Alcaraz's comeback falls short

Alcaraz's defeat brings an end to an impressive return to competitive tennis. The world number three had returned from a lengthy wrist injury lay-off and had already exceeded expectations by reaching the quarter-finals, including a convincing victory over 20th seed Tommy Paul.

However, the lack of regular competitive matches appeared to become increasingly significant during the marathon encounter. Alcaraz was playing only his fifth singles match since April and was competing against a top-10 opponent for the first time since returning.

He also committed 53 unforced errors, a number that proved costly during the decisive stages. Despite those struggles, Alcaraz pushed the match to a deciding tie-break and finished with his pride intact.

"I'm just proud about myself, about how I fought," Alcaraz said after the match. "I leave the court with a smile, healthy, and this is what I needed."

Shelton reaches third Grand Slam semi-final

For Shelton, the victory represents another significant step in his development at the majors. The 23-year-old has now reached his third Grand Slam semi-final. His previous appearances at this stage ended against eventual champions: Jannik Sinner at the 2025 Australian Open and Novak Djokovic at the 2023 US Open.

He now has an opportunity to go one step further on home soil.

Shelton also carries the hopes of American men's tennis into the final stages of the tournament. His victory guarantees that an American will contest the US Open final, with fellow countryman Tiafoe awaiting him in the semi-finals.

The last American man to win the US Open was Andy Roddick in 2003.

Shelton was less than a year old at the time.

A US Open night that will be remembered

The extraordinary finish added another layer to an already memorable quarter-final.

The match began close to 11pm and continued well into the early hours, but thousands of spectators remained inside Arthur Ashe Stadium until the conclusion.

Shelton acknowledged the role the crowd played in helping him survive the physical and mental demands of the contest.

"The city of New York that showed up tonight until 3am, that's what kept me going," he said.

For Alcaraz, the result ends a run of 28 wins in 31 US Open matches and his hopes of reaching a fourth New York semi-final in five years.

For Shelton, it could represent the night his career moved to another level.

The American has beaten one of the biggest names in men's tennis. Now he has two more matches between himself and a first Grand Slam title.

SportsLigue