In a marathon showdown that stretched into the early morning hours, American teenager Ben Shelton delivered a stunning upset over world No. 2 Carlos Alcaraz at the U.S. Open. The match, which ended at 3:33 a.m. on Wednesday, marked the latest‑finishing contest in tournament history and snapped Alcaraz’s 18‑match Grand Slam winning streak.
Match Summary
Shelton fought back from a first‑set tiebreak loss, dominating the second set 6‑1 and the third 6‑3. After Alcaraz rallied to take the fourth set 6‑1, the two players entered a decisive fifth‑set tiebreak. Shelton prevailed 10‑7, sealing a 6‑7 (5), 6‑1, 6‑3, 1‑6, 7‑6 (10‑7) victory after 4 hours and 28 minutes of play.
The Spaniard, who had been unbeaten in Grand Slam events since the 2022 U.S. Open, showed resilience despite a recent right‑wrist injury that kept him out of competition since April. He even battled through nausea, vomiting before the final set, yet ultimately could not halt Shelton’s momentum.
Implications for the Tournament
With the win, Shelton advanced to the semifinals where he will face No. 11 seed Frances Tiafoe, another American who earned his spot by surviving a five‑set thriller against Alex Michelsen (5‑7, 3‑6, 7‑5, 6‑3, 7‑6 (10‑6)). The U.S. is now guaranteed a male finalist, a milestone the nation has not achieved since Andy Roddick’s 2003 triumph.
Alcaraz’s loss also ends his quest for a second consecutive major title. He previously set a record for the latest‑finishing U.S. Open match in 2022, when he outlasted Jannik Sinner in a quarterfinal that concluded at 2:50 a.m.
Background on Shelton’s Rise
Shelton’s run to his third major semifinal reflects a rapid ascent in the sport. He reached the final four at the 2023 U.S. Open and the 2025 Australian Open, demonstrating consistency at the highest level. His aggressive serve‑and‑volley style and powerful forehand have made him a fan favorite and a rising star in American tennis.
After the match, Shelton praised his own perseverance, noting that a stretch of nine straight games early in the second set gave him the confidence to control the match. He also acknowledged Alcaraz’s tenacity, calling the Spaniard “one of the toughest competitors I’ve ever faced.”
What’s Next for Alcaraz
Alcaraz will have to regroup after the loss, which came in his first tournament back from injury. He remains a dominant force on the tour and will likely target a comeback at the upcoming ATP events, aiming to add more Grand Slam titles to his résumé.
For now, American tennis fans can celebrate Shelton’s breakthrough and look forward to a historic final that could bring the United States its first men’s major championship in over two decades.
Original reporting: Dallas TX News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
