US OPEN. New York. By Leo Canaparo. Photo courtesy USTA & ATP
Ben Shelton produced the biggest victory of his career by defeating defending champion Carlos Alcaraz in an extraordinary US Open quarterfinal that lasted 4 hours and 28 minutes and finished at 3:33 a.m. in New York, the latest-ending match in tournament history. The American prevailed 6-7(5), 6-1, 6-3, 1-6, 7-6(10-7) in a dramatic battle at Arthur Ashe Stadium, recovering after losing a tight opening set, dominating the second and third, and then surviving Alcaraz’s comeback in the fourth. In the decisive match tiebreak, Shelton showed tremendous courage and composure, saving his best tennis for the most important moments before sealing the victory with a powerful finish.
This triumph confirms that Shelton is no longer simply one of the most spectacular servers and athletes on the ATP Tour—he is becoming a genuine Grand Slam contender. At 23, his confidence, physical strength and ability to play aggressively under extreme pressure are turning him into one of the most dangerous players in men’s tennis. Shelton also claimed his first victory over a Top-3 opponent after 17 previous attempts and ended Alcaraz’s 18-match Grand Slam winning streak. Now, with a semifinal against fellow American Frances Tiafoe awaiting him, Shelton has a huge opportunity to take another step toward ending the United States’ long wait for a men’s Grand Slam champion.