Ben Shelton has pulled off the biggest victory of his career, defeating seven-time Grand Slam champion Carlos Alcaraz in a dramatic five-set quarter-final at the 2026 US Open.
The American eighth seed prevailed 6-7 (5-7), 6-1, 6-3, 1-6, 7-6 (10-7) in a marathon contest that lasted four hours and 28 minutes.
The match, which did not begin until after 11:00 p.m. local time, finished shortly after 3:30 a.m. in New York, making it the latest finish in US Open history.
Shelton recovered brilliantly after losing the opening set, taking control of the second and third sets before Alcaraz fought back to force a deciding set. Neither player could break decisively in the fifth, sending the match into a tense tie-break.
With the pressure at its highest, Shelton produced the crucial points before sealing victory with a 146mph ace.
Read also:
- 2026 World Cup: Mbappe Edges Messi In Golden Boot Race After Quarter-Finals
- Kylian Mbappé Escapes Alleged Kidnap Plot, Suspect Arrested
- 2026 World Cup: Mbappe Edges Messi In Golden Boot Race After Quarter-Finals
The win was particularly significant because it marked Shelton’s first victory over Alcaraz and his first triumph against a player ranked inside the world’s top three.
Alcaraz, competing in his first tournament since a lengthy absence caused by a wrist injury, struggled for consistency and finished with 53 unforced errors.
Shelton’s reward is an all-American semi-final against Frances Tiafoe, who earlier recovered from two sets down to defeat fellow American Alex Michelsen 5-7, 3-6, 7-5, 6-3, 7-6 (10-6).
Speaking after his historic victory, Shelton paid tribute to the New York crowd and described playing at Arthur Ashe Stadium as an incredible experience.
The American will now bid for a place in the US Open final when he faces Tiafoe in an eagerly anticipated semi-final showdown.
