Ben Shelton secured the most significant victory of his professional tennis career on an unforgettable New York morning, toppling defending champion Carlos Alcaraz in a marathon five‑set battle that stretched well past midnight and ultimately propelled him into the US Open semi‑finals. The match, which lasted four hours and twenty‑eight minutes, concluded at 3:33 a.m., marking the latest finish ever recorded at Flushing Meadows. In front of a roaring crowd in Arthur Ashe Stadium, the American emerged triumphant with a scoreline of 6‑7 (5‑7), 6‑1, 6‑3, 1‑6, 7‑6 (10‑7). Shelton’s win was historic for several reasons.
It represented his first ever triumph over a player ranked inside the world’s top three, a milestone he achieved after entering the contest with a 0‑17 record against such elite opponents. The victory also guarantees that the United States will be represented in the men’s final on Sunday, a feat not accomplished since Andy Roddick lifted the Wimbledon trophy in 2003.
After his win, Shelton will face fellow American Frances Tiafoe, who earned his spot by rallying from two sets down to defeat Alex Michelsen later that evening. When asked about his performance, Shelton credited the energy of the spectators, his support team, and the unique atmosphere of New York. "The crowd, my coaches, my family, the whole city staying up until 3 a.m. with those USA chants – that’s what kept me going and helped me secure this win," he said on the court.
He added, "It’s incredible. This is the greatest sports city and the greatest stadium in the world. I just hope my best friend and sister don’t have to be at work at 6 a.m. I’m so grateful, so blessed to be here, and sharing the court with Carlos is an absolute honour." Alcaraz, a seven‑time Grand Slam champion, was making his first tournament appearance since April after a lengthy wrist injury that kept him sidelined for more than four months.
He entered the match as a doubtful participant, yet managed to fight back after losing the first set tiebreak. The Spaniard’s resilience was evident as he captured the fourth set 6‑1, forcing a decisive fifth set that culminated in a tense 10‑point tiebreak. During the final set, Alcaraz was even seen vomiting, a stark illustration of the physical toll the match exacted. Reflecting on his effort, Alcaraz said, "Before the tournament I said my goal was simply to be healthy and compete.
It was close, really close. I’m a little disappointed not to have taken the win, but I’m proud of how I fought.
After the third set I was exhausted, yet I found a way to push myself. In the fifth set I started feeling better, and I was playing against a beast – an unbelievable, powerful player who handled every situation brilliantly. I leave the court happy, with a smile, healthy, and that’s exactly what I needed." Shelton’s path to the semi‑finals has been marked by steady progress in major events. The 23‑year‑old has already reached the semi‑final stage at the 2023 US Open and the 2025 Australian Open, and this appearance makes it his third Grand Slam semi‑final overall.
After dropping the opening tiebreak, he surged ahead with a streak of nine consecutive games, dominating the second and third sets. Alcaraz rallied to force a fifth set, even taking a 5‑3 lead in the final tiebreak before Shelton turned the tide. In a signature moment, Shelton unleashed a blistering 146 mph serve that Alcaraz could not return, electrifying the New York audience. Alcaraz later recalled a previous tiebreak in Paris, noting the mental and physical challenges of facing a server of Shelton’s caliber: "When you’re trying to fight and overcome fatigue, his serve puts a lot of pressure on you.
You’re constantly wondering whether you’ll get a return or he’ll claim a free point. His serve is a vital weapon in those moments." Meanwhile, Frances Tiafoe produced his own dramatic comeback earlier in the night. After falling behind two sets and trailing 0‑3 in the fifth, Tiafoe rallied to defeat Alex Michelsen 5‑7, 3‑6, 7‑5, 6‑3, 7‑6 (10‑6), securing his third US Open semi‑final appearance.
The 11th seed seemed to lose momentum early but found his rhythm in the third set, eventually sealing the match with a decisive forehand winner amid deafening applause. Michelsen, who had flown under the radar, earned respect by delivering 21 aces and fighting valiantly before succumbing to Tiafoe’s resurgence.
After the match, Tiafoe offered an emotional embrace to the 22‑year‑old, acknowledging his opponent’s effort. Tiafoe’s victory places him alongside Andre Agassi as the only American men to reach three US Open semi‑finals in this century, and it is expected to lift him back into the top ten of the ATP rankings for the first time in three years.
He humorously noted, "Everyone was sleeping in the first couple of hours and I was asleep with you all. As the match went on, the energy was incredible, as always.
Thank you to the crowd for being there for me; I really appreciate it." Commentary from Sky Sports’ Laura Robson highlighted the emotional stakes for Michelsen, describing his post‑match tears as a "punch in the gut" and emphasizing the heartbreak of coming so close to a breakthrough. She praised Tiafoe for his resilience, stating, "You can’t help but feel sorry for Alex Michelsen – he was so close, and Frances is a fan favourite in this situation.
The tears were heartbreaking, but Frances turned the match around brilliantly." The US Open continues to be broadcast live on Sky Sports from August 30, with streaming options available through NOW and the Sky Sports app, allowing fans worldwide to follow the drama without a contract. In addition to the tennis action, the network will also present the Laver Cup at The O2 in London from September 25‑27, further cementing its role as a hub for premier tennis coverage.
Overall, Shelton’s victory over Alcaraz stands as a testament to perseverance, crowd support, and the unpredictable excitement that defines Grand Slam tennis. As the tournament moves into its final stages, American fans can look forward to a historic showdown that may finally bring a home‑grown champion back to the top of the sport.