Shelton beats Alcaraz in latest-ever US Open finish to reach semis

Ben Shelton has equalled his best ever run at a Grand Slam tournament after a dramatic five-set quarter-final loss to Carlos Alcaraz that ended at 03:34 local time, the latest finish in the US Open's history. The match, which lasted four hours and 28 minutes, was watched by a large crowd that remained captivated deep into the night on Arthur Ashe Stadium. The start of the night session was delayed by Tuesday's earlier matches, and it did not begin until about 11pm in New York. Eighth seed Shelton basked in a standing ovation from the audience after completing a 6-7 (5-7) 6-1 6-3 1-6 7-6 (10-7) victory. This was the biggest and most significant win of the 23-year-old's career, and it boosts home hopes of a first American men's singles champion in New York for 23 years. Shelton had not beaten a top-three player in 17 attempts, and had lost each of his three previous matches against Alcaraz. The 23-year-old's performance was phenomenal, and it was not matched by Alcaraz, who was competing at his first tournament since a lengthy injury lay-off. Seven-time major winner Alcaraz had exceeded expectations on his return after more than four months out with a wrist injury, but his lack of match fitness appeared to finally catch up with him in the high-octane encounter. The match was filled with breathless exchanges and astounding displays of athleticism, and it ended with a tense 10-point match tie-break. Alcaraz's US Open title defence is over, and Shelton will move on to the semi-finals, where he will face Frances Tiafoe.