Ben Shelton produced the biggest win of his career by defeating Carlos Alcaraz in a dramatic US Open quarter-final.
The eighth seed won 6-7 (5-7) 6-1 6-3 1-6 7-6 (10-7) in a match that recorded the latest finish in US Open history. The contest lasted four hours and 28 minutes. Regardless, a large crowd stayed inside Arthur Ashe Stadium throughout the late-night battle.
Shelton eventually secured victory in a tense 10-point match tie-break. The American then received a standing ovation from the crowd.
“That was a war, an epic match, so physical,” Shelton said.
He also praised Alcaraz, describing the 23-year-old Spaniard as one of the greatest champions in tennis despite his age. Shelton entered the match having never beaten a top-three player in 17 attempts. He had also lost all three of his previous meetings with Alcaraz.
The victory keeps alive American hopes of ending a 23-year wait for a home men’s singles champion in New York. An American finalist is now guaranteed, with Shelton set to face Frances Tiafoe in Friday’s semi-final.
Alcaraz was playing his first tournament after more than four months out with a wrist injury. Despite the long lay-off, the world number three had exceeded expectations on his return. He defeated 20th seed Tommy Paul in the previous round to reach the quarter-finals. However, his lack of match fitness appeared to become increasingly evident during the high-intensity contest.
The match featured long exchanges and remarkable displays of athleticism from both players. Alcaraz still found the energy to force a deciding set after losing the second and third sets. He then pushed Shelton into the final tie-break before eventually falling short.
The seven-time major winner remained positive after the defeat.
“It was close. So I’m just not going to be disappointed about not getting the win at the end,” Alcaraz said.
He added that he was proud of how he fought and left the court smiling and healthy.
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