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 of 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.
The big-serving lefty finished off the match with a 146-mph ace that Alcaraz had no answer for.
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.
"I'm tired. It was a war,” Shelton said after the match, according to Brian Mahoney of The Associated Press. "Carlos is one of the greatest champions of our sport. It was the most enjoyable match I've had in my career, for sure."
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.
"I mean, it was close, it was really close, so I was disappointed I didn't get the win at the end," the seven-time major champion said. "But I'm happy, I am proud of myself about how I fought. As I said, physically I was really tired but I found a way to push myself."
The previous latest-ever US Open match also involved Alcaraz.
That came in 2022 when the Spanish sensation, then 19, outlasted fellow star and eventual rival Jannik Sinner in another epic quarterfinal en route to capturing his first major title.
