Ben Shelton Stuns Carlos Alcaraz in Latest-Ever US Open Finish

 NEW YORK — American tennis star Ben Shelton produced one of the biggest victories of his career on Wednesday, defeating defending champion Carlos Alcaraz in a dramatic five-set quarterfinal at the 2026 US Open.

Shelton prevailed 6-7(5), 6-1, 6-3, 1-6, 7-6(10-7) after an extraordinary battle that lasted four hours and 28 minutes. The match began at 11:05 p.m. and finished at approximately 3:33 a.m. local time, making it the latest-finishing match in US Open history. �

Reuters +1

A Historic Night at Arthur Ashe Stadium

The late-night thriller had everything a Grand Slam classic could offer: momentum swings, huge serves, a dramatic fifth-set tiebreak and an electric crowd that remained inside Arthur Ashe Stadium deep into the early morning.

Alcaraz, the No. 2 seed and reigning US Open champion, took the opening set in a tiebreak. Shelton, however, responded emphatically, dominating the second and third sets to move within one set of a stunning upset.

The Spaniard refused to surrender. Alcaraz fought back to take the fourth set 6-1 and forced a deciding-set tiebreak, setting up a tense finish.

In the final tiebreak, Shelton held his nerve and won 10-7, completing the biggest victory of his career over Alcaraz. �

US Open +1

Shelton's Powerful Serve Makes the Difference

Shelton's biggest weapon throughout the contest was his serve. The American repeatedly put Alcaraz under pressure with explosive first serves and aggressive attacking tennis.

He eventually sealed the match with a huge serve, capping an extraordinary performance in front of a passionate New York crowd. Shelton's ability to remain aggressive even after Alcaraz forced the match into a deciding tiebreak proved crucial. �

The Guardian +1

The victory is particularly significant because Shelton had previously lost all three of his meetings with Alcaraz. His new head-to-head record is now 1-3. �

US Open

Alcaraz's Title Defense Ends

For Alcaraz, the defeat brings his attempt to defend his US Open championship to an end.

The Spaniard had entered the tournament as one of the leading favorites after winning the 2025 US Open. But Shelton's relentless serving and aggressive play eventually proved too much in a match that pushed both players physically and mentally.

Despite the disappointment, Alcaraz battled through a remarkable five-set contest before finally falling in the deciding tiebreak. �

US Open +1

All-American Semifinal Awaits

Shelton's reward is a place in the US Open semifinals, where he will face fellow American Frances Tiafoe.

That matchup guarantees an American player will reach the final, creating enormous excitement among the home fans. It also raises hopes that an American man could finally win the US Open again after a long wait. �

Reuters +1

The semifinal promises another high-profile showdown between two of the leading faces of the new generation of American men's tennis.

Match Details

US Open 2026 – Men's Singles Quarterfinal

Ben Shelton def. Carlos Alcaraz: 6-7(5), 6-1, 6-3, 1-6, 7-6(10-7)

Duration: 4 hours, 28 minutes

Finish: Approximately 3:33 a.m. ET

Venue: Arthur Ashe Stadium, New York

Next opponent: Frances Tiafoe

Result: Shelton advances to the semifinals