Ben Shelton Halts Carlos Alcaraz’s Reign at U.S. Open in Record-Setting Match

New York — Ben Shelton stopped Carlos Alcaraz’s winning streak in a record-setting finish at the U.S. Open, triumphing 6-7 (5), 6-1, 6-3, 1-6, 7-6 (10-7). The match concluded at 3:33 a.m. on Wednesday, marking the latest finish in the tournament’s history.

Alcaraz’s 18-match triumphs in Grand Slam events came to an end in a contest that extended over 4 hours and 28 minutes. Shelton is set to face No. 11 seed Frances Tiafoe next, who advanced to his third U.S. Open semifinal by defeating Alex Michelsen 5-7, 3-6, 7-5, 6-3, 7-6 (10-6).

With Shelton’s victory, the U.S. secures a place in Sunday’s final as it aims for its first men’s major title since Andy Roddick’s win in 2003. Alcaraz previously participated in the former latest finish at the U.S. Open during a match against Jannik Sinner that concluded at 2:50 a.m. in the 2022 quarterfinals, leading to Alcaraz’s first Grand Slam victory at 19.

Fans stayed until the end of the match, supporting Shelton with chants of “USA! USA!” at Arthur Ashe Stadium, boosting his morale even against the well-loved Alcaraz. “It’s incredible,” Shelton commented. “I always say that this is the greatest sports city in the world, and this is the greatest stadium in the world.”

“I’m just hoping that my best friend and my sister over there don’t have to be at work at 6 a.m. in three hours,” Shelton added.

Three of the four singles quarterfinals were decided by match tiebreakers on a day filled with marathon matches, starting with Aryna Sabalenka narrowly defeating Wimbledon champion Linda Noskova to keep her hopes alive for a third consecutive U.S. Open title.

Alcaraz, playing after recovering from a right wrist injury, managed to fight back despite vomiting before the final set began. He gained a 5-3 lead in the tiebreaker, yet Shelton countered with powerful serves exceeding 140 mph and capitalized on Alcaraz’s errors to secure the win with a decisive 146 mph serve.

Alcaraz holds a 15-2 record in five-set matches. He captured his seventh Grand Slam title earlier this year at the Australian Open prior to his injury.