Ben Shelton defeated defending champion Carlos Alcaraz 6-7(5), 6-1, 6-3, 1-6, 7-6(10-7) in the latest finish in US Open history to book his place in the semi-finals.
Key takeaways
- Shelton will meet fellow American Frances Tiafoe in the last four.
- The result strengthens hopes of a first American men’s Grand Slam singles champion since 2003.
- The contest began at 11.05 p.m. on Tuesday and ended at 3.33 a.m. on Wednesday.
- Alcaraz had previously won all 13 of his Grand Slam meetings with American men.
- The five-set battle lasted four hours and 28 minutes.
Shelton withstands Alcaraz in late-night thriller
The victory arranged a semi-final clash with Tiafoe and gave the United States two representatives in the final four, reviving the prospect of a home men’s major champion for the first time in more than two decades.
Alcaraz, a seven-time major winner, entered Arthur Ashe Stadium having never lost to an American man at a Grand Slam. Shelton, however, proved difficult to dismantle in a match that stretched deep into the morning.
Shelton credited the support around him for helping him survive the physical and emotional demands of the encounter. He said his coaches, team, family and friends provided energy, while the New York crowd remained behind him with USA chants until the finish.
The 23-year-old added that playing in New York was extraordinary, describing the city as the world’s greatest sports destination and Arthur Ashe Stadium as the finest stadium in the world.
Alcaraz edged a closely fought opening-set tiebreak and appeared to have seized control. A run of unusual mistakes then allowed Shelton to take the second set comfortably, before the American moved ahead by winning the third.
The Spaniard was competing in New York for the first time since a wrist problem had kept him out for almost five months. He looked short of his best and committed an unusually high number of forehand errors, but he recovered sufficiently to level the match and force a deciding set as the crowd grew louder.
During the changeover, Alcaraz vomited into a towel. He nevertheless stayed level with Shelton through all 12 games of the fifth set, only for the American to complete the upset in the deciding tie-break.
An honour for Shelton
Shelton joked that his best friend and sister might have to report for work just three hours after the match, and said he hoped their employers would give them the day off.
He also called it an absolute honour to play in front of the late-night crowd and to share the court with Alcaraz, adding that he valued every moment of his time at the tournament.
