NEW YORK — American Ben Shelton pulled off the biggest victory of his career, defeating defending champion Carlos Alcaraz in a breathtaking five-set US Open quarter-final that finished at 3:34 a.m. — the latest finish in tournament history.
The eighth-seeded Shelton prevailed 6-7, 6-1, 6-3, 1-6, 7-6 (10-7) after four hours and 28 minutes of high-intensity tennis at Arthur Ashe Stadium.
Calling the match a “war,” Shelton overcame a player he had never previously beaten and ended a streak of 17 consecutive losses against top-three opponents.
Alcaraz, returning after more than four months out with a wrist injury, fought back brilliantly to force a deciding fifth set. But his 53 unforced errors proved costly as Shelton surged late in the match tie-break and sealed the memorable victory with an ace.
The result also guarantees an American man in the US Open final, with Shelton facing fellow American Frances Tiafoe in Friday’s semi-final.
The United States has waited 23 years for a homegrown men’s singles champion at Flushing Meadows, with Andy Roddick the last American to lift the trophy in 2003.