Ben Shelton Stuns Carlos Alcaraz in the most dramatic night in US Open history. American No. 8 seed Ben Shelton ended defending champion Carlos Alcaraz’s title reign at 3:33 a.m. ET Wednesday in Arthur Ashe Stadium – the latest-finishing match in US Open history.
The titanic quarterfinal lasted 4 hours, 28 minutes, with a final score of 6-7(5), 6-1, 6-3, 1-6, 7-6(10-7), sending Shelton to the semifinals and ending Alcaraz’s 18-match Grand Slam winning streak.
Full Score: Ben Shelton def. (2) Carlos Alcaraz – 6-7(5) 6-1 6-3 1-6 7-6(10-7)
It was the first time Shelton has ever beaten a top-3 player. Seven-time major champion Alcaraz, who won the Australian Open at the start of 2026 for his 7th major, was plagued by an apparent wrist injury. He even vomited into a towel during the marathon.
This was not just late; it was historic. The previous record was exactly two years ago when Alcaraz beat Sinner at 2:50 a.m. in 2022. This match beat it by 43 minutes.
The late start was due to the day session running long. By the fifth set tiebreak, thousands of fans were still chanting “U-S-A!” at 3 a.m.
1. Alcaraz Takes Tight First Set: Defending champ won tiebreak 7-5.
2. Shelton Storms Back: American crushed Alcaraz 6-1, 6-3 in the next two sets with a booming lefty serve.
3. Alcaraz Forces Decider: Spaniard, despite fatigue, won the fourth 6-1.
4. Fifth Set Tiebreak Drama: At 2-2 in the 10-point tiebreak, Shelton found energy from the crowd.
5. 146 mph Final Serve: Shelton ended it with his fastest serve of the night at 3:33 a.m.
Watch official highlights on US Open YouTube and full replay on ESPN+.
Shelton, emotional: “I mean, it’s incredible. I always say this is the greatest sports city in the world, the greatest stadium in the world. For me, it’s always about the people in the crowd… the city of New York that showed up until 3 a.m., with the ‘U-S-A’ chants until the very end. That’s what kept me going.”
Alcaraz, gracious in defeat: “I’m just happy, I’m just proud of myself… I was playing against someone that is a beast. Shelton is an unbelievable player, powerful… So credit to him. I just leave the court happy. I leave the court with a smile, healthy.”
Shelton’s win sets up a dream all-American semifinal vs (11) Frances Tiafoe, who beat Alex Michelsen 5-7, 3-6, 7-5, 6-3, 7-6(10-6) in another five-set epic on the same night.
Semifinal: Ben Shelton vs Frances Tiafoe – Friday, Arthur Ashe Stadium
This guarantees an American man in the US Open final for the first time in years. It also boosts home hopes of a first American men’s Grand Slam champion since Andy Roddick in 2003. With Alcaraz, Novak Djokovic, and Jannik Sinner now out of the picture, this might be the best chance for American tennis in two decades.
Prediction for the semifinal: Shelton in 4 sets – his serve will be too much after this confidence boost.
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