Defending champion bundled out in latest US Open finish in history
American Ben Shelton stunned Carlos Alcaraz in a mammoth match during the US Open quarter-finals, sealing a gritty 6-7(5), 6-1, 6-3, 1-6, 7-6(10-7) victory, sealed by a blistering 235km/h ace.
As the clock ticked past 3.33am in New York City, Shelton roared in triumph as he dethroned the defending champion in an intense final-set tiebreaker.
Ben Shelton. Getty Images
The marathon battle surpassed the latest finish in tournament history, breaking the previous 2022 record set by Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner.
“That was a war. Epic match. So physical,” Shelton said.
“I always say that this is the greatest sports city in the world, I say that 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 6am in three hours.
“Carlos, one of the greatest champions in our sport already at 23 years old. It’s always fun. The most enjoyable match I’ve had in my career.”
Alcaraz, sidelined for the past five months with a wrist injury, saw his physical endurance pushed to the limit.
The four-and-a-half-hour clash was defined by thin margins and the gruelling pace clearly took a toll. The Spaniard was spotted on the broadcast cameras being physically sick into a towel before the start of the fifth set.
Yet, the energy never wavered in Arthur Ashe Stadium, with the New York crowd on their feet chanting “USA, USA, USA” to spur on their homegrown hero.
An American man hasn’t won a grand slam title in 23 years.
One is now guaranteed to compete in the 2026 US Open final.
Shelton will face compatriot and world No.11 Frances Tiafoe in the semi-finals on Saturday.
Also on day 10, Aryna Sabalenka edged out Wimbledon champion Linda Noskova to keep her hopes alive of a third straight US Open title.
