Ben Shelton eliminated defending champion Carlos Alcaraz from the US Open in a historic quarter-final encounter that set the record for the latest finish in the event’s history. The match concluded at 3:34 a.m. local time after a grueling four hours and 28 minutes on Arthur Ashe Stadium.
The night session began late, with play not starting until approximately 11 p.m., yet a massive crowd stayed engaged throughout the dramatic five-set battle. Shelton, seeded eighth, won 6-7 (5-7), 6-1, 6-3, 1-6, and 7-6 (10-7), earning a standing ovation for what many considered a modern classic.
The victory marked the most significant win of the 23-year-old American’s career. Shelton had previously struggled against elite opposition, failing to defeat a top-three player in 17 attempts and dropping all three prior meetings against Alcaraz. The win also bolstered hopes for an American men’s singles champion in New York for the first time in 23 years, ending a drought that stretches back to Andy Roddick’s triumph.
Shelton is now guaranteed an American finalist when he faces compatriot Frances Tiafoe in the semi-finals. Alcaraz, a seven-time major winner, had returned to competition after a four-month layoff due to a wrist injury. While he exceeded expectations by reaching the quarter-finals, his lack of recent match fitness appeared to take its toll during the high-intensity exchanges.
The match went to a deciding tie-break after both players displayed exceptional athleticism, providing a tense conclusion to the contest.
I stayed up for that deciding tiebreak. My eyes hurt but it was worth every second. Classic!
23 and already beating a 7-time major winner? Shelton is the real deal. What a career night.
Finally an American in the final! Roddick’s drought ends in style. Can’t wait for the semi-final.
Does anyone else think the late start time gave Alcaraz’s wrist too little warm-up time?
What an absolute marathon! 3:34 a.m. is insane. Congrats to Shelton on the huge win.