Budding American star Ben Shelton defeated Carlos Alcaraz for the first time in his career, ending the Spaniard's US Open reign in a classic late-night marathon to reach the semifinals in his home Grand Slam.
The thrilling five-setter ended at 3:34 a.m. ET on Wednesday morning, making it the latest finish in US Open history.
Ben Shelton scores the biggest win of his career and a spot in the US Open semifinals! pic.twitter.com/2PCndRLcpL
— US Open Tennis (@usopen) September 9, 2026
Shelton, seeded eighth, won the match 6-7 (5), 6-1, 6-3, 1-6, 7-6 (10-7) in front of an Arthur Ashe Stadium crowd that remained energetic throughout a back-and-forth affair that lasted 4 hours and 28 minutes.
Shelton, who'll be making his second appearance in the US Open semis, will play compatriot and No. 11 seed Frances Tiafoe. The United States is therefore guaranteed to have a representative in Sunday's final as the nation looks to end its major title drought in men's tennis. The U.S. hasn't had a men's Grand Slam singles winner since Andy Roddick in 2003.
Alcaraz, the defending champion and No. 2 seed in the tournament, returned to play the US Open after recovering from a wrist injury that had him sidelined since April.
The loss to Shelton snapped Alcaraz's 18-match winning streak in Grand Slam tournaments.
