Ben Shelton Stuns Carlos Alcaraz in Record-Breaking US Open Thriller

Ben Shelton produced one of the biggest victories of his career at the US Open, defeating defending champion Carlos Alcaraz in a dramatic five-set quarter-final that ended at 3:34 a.m. Wednesday at Flushing Meadows.

The American claimed his first career victory over Alcaraz in a match that lasted deep into the New York night. Shelton won 6-7 (5-7), 6-1, 6-3, 1-6, 7-6 (10-7), ending Alcaraz’s bid to defend his US Open crown.

The contest set a new record for the latest finish in US Open history, adding another memorable chapter to a tournament known for its late-night matches.

Shelton relied on his powerful serve and aggressive groundstrokes throughout the encounter, repeatedly putting pressure on Alcaraz during the deciding set. The 23-year-old American held his nerve in the final-set tiebreak to secure the biggest win of his career against the Spanish star.

Alcaraz had entered the tournament with hopes of making a successful return after spending four months away from competition because of injury. His early progress had raised expectations that he could immediately challenge for another Grand Slam title.

The Spaniard took the opening set in a tense tiebreak, edging Shelton 7-5. The American responded strongly in the second set, breaking Alcaraz’s rhythm and racing to a 6-1 victory.

Shelton continued to control the match in the third set, winning it 6-3 and moving within one set of a place in the semi-finals.

Alcaraz refused to surrender his title defence without a fight. The four-time Grand Slam champion produced a strong response in the fourth set, winning it 6-1 and forcing a deciding set as the match moved into the early hours of the morning.

The final set developed into another tightly contested battle, with neither player able to establish a decisive advantage. Shelton eventually earned the opportunity to close out the match in the deciding tiebreak.

He delivered when it mattered most, winning the match tiebreak 10-7 and completing a remarkable upset.

The result marks Shelton’s first victory over Alcaraz after their previous meetings had gone the Spaniard’s way. It also sends the American into the US Open semi-finals, where he will look to continue a breakthrough run on home soil.

For Alcaraz, the defeat ends his attempt to retain the title and represents a disappointing finish to his return from injury. The late-night battle also gave Shelton a place in US Open history as the winner of the tournament’s latest-ending match.