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

Carlos Alcaraz's US Open title defence ended in a dramatic five-set quarter-final loss to Ben Shelton, the latest finish in the tournament's history, which concluded at 03:34 local time. The match, which lasted four hours and 28 minutes, captivated a large crowd deep into the night on Arthur Ashe Stadium. The start of the night session was delayed by Tuesday's earlier matches, and the match did not begin until about 11pm in New York. Eighth seed Shelton defeated Alcaraz 6-7 (5-7) 6-1 6-3 1-6 7-6 (10-7), securing his biggest win and most significant victory of his career. This was the first time Shelton had beaten a top-three player, ending a 17-match losing streak against Alcaraz. The win boosted American hopes of a first men's singles champion in 23 years, with Shelton advancing to the semi-finals alongside fellow American Frances Tiafoe. Alcaraz, the world number three, was competing at his first tournament since a lengthy injury lay-off, which included a recent win over 20th seed Tommy Paul. Despite exceeding expectations on his return, Alcaraz's lack of match fitness appeared to catch up with him in the high-octane encounter. Ben Shelton described the match as a 'war' and praised Alcaraz as 'one of the greatest champions in our sport'. The victory marked a modern classic in the tournament's history and will live long in the memory of those present. Earlier report (2026-09-09 14:15): 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.