Ben Shelton secured the most significant triumph of his professional career on a sleepless New York morning, toppling defending champion Carlos Alcaraz in a marathon five‑set battle that stretched well past midnight and earned him a place in the US Open semi‑finals. The match, which lasted four hours and twenty‑eight minutes, concluded at 3:33 a.m., setting a new record for the latest finish in the tournament's history. Shelton emerged victorious with a scoreline of 6-7 (5-7), 6-1, 6-3, 1-6, 7-6 (10-7), delivering a performance that kept the packed Arthur Ashe Stadium on the edge of its seats until the early hours.
This win was especially momentous for Shelton because it marked his first ever victory over a player ranked inside the top three of the world. Prior to this encounter, he was 0-17 against such elite opposition. The American's next challenge will be against fellow countryman Frances Tiafoe, who also produced a dramatic five‑set win earlier in the evening, ensuring that the United States will be represented in the men's final for the first time since Andy Roddick's 2003 triumph.
After the match, an exhausted yet exhilarated Shelton thanked the crowd, his coaches, and his family, noting that the collective energy of the New York audience kept him motivated through the grueling hours. "The chants, the support, the vibe of this city—it's what pushed me to keep fighting," he said. He added a personal touch, hoping his sister and best friend wouldn't have to report for work at six in the morning after staying up to watch his historic win.
"Being out here with Carlos is an absolute honor," he continued, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to share the court with a player of Alcaraz's caliber. Alcaraz, a seven‑time Grand Slam champion, was making his first tournament appearance since April after a wrist injury forced him out of competition for more than four months. The Spanish star entered the match as a heavy favourite but struggled with physical discomfort, even vomiting before the decisive fifth set. Despite his valiant effort, he fell short in the final tie‑break, which required ten points to decide the match.
"I came in knowing I had to be healthy and compete," Alcaraz reflected after the loss. "It was a close fight, and I’m a little disappointed not to close it out, but I’m proud of how I battled.
After the third set I was exhausted, yet I found a way to push through. In the fifth set I felt better and better, and I left the court smiling, grateful for the experience." Shelton's path to this semi‑final was marked by resilience.
After dropping the opening tie‑break, the 23‑year‑old surged ahead with a nine‑game streak, dominating the second and third sets. Alcaraz rallied to force a fifth set, taking an early 5-3 lead in the tie‑break before Shelton turned the tide.
In a moment that epitomised his aggressive style, Shelton unleashed a 146‑mph serve that left Alcaraz scrambling, prompting a roar from the New York crowd. Alcaraz later recalled his own recent tie‑break in Paris, noting the mental and physical challenges of facing a powerful server in high‑pressure moments. Meanwhile, Frances Tiafoe produced his own comeback story on the same night. After falling two sets behind and trailing 0-3 in the fifth, Tiafoe fought back to defeat Alex Michelsen 5-7, 3-6, 7-5, 6-3, 7-6 (10-6).
The 11th seed, who had seemed to lose momentum earlier in the tournament, found his rhythm in the third set and sealed the match with a forehand winner that elicited deafening applause. Michelsen, a relatively unknown player who had quietly progressed to his deepest Grand Slam run, displayed remarkable composure, serving 21 aces and sharing an emotional embrace with Tiafoe after the loss. Tiafoe's victory placed him alongside Andre Agassi as the only American men to reach three US Open semi‑finals in this century, and it is set to lift him back into the world top ten after three years away. He joked about the early hours, saying, "Everyone was sleeping in the first couple of hours and I was asleep with you all," before thanking the crowd for their unwavering support.
The broader significance of these matches cannot be overstated. Shelton's win guarantees an American presence in Sunday's final, a narrative that has been missing from the men's side of the US Open for over two decades.
Alcaraz's exit, while disappointing for his fans, highlighted the physical toll of returning from injury and underscored the depth of competition in today's game. Both matches showcased the drama, endurance, and emotional intensity that define Grand Slam tennis.
Looking ahead, Shelton will aim to replicate his gritty performance against Tiafoe, while Tiafoe will seek to add another chapter to his growing legacy. For Alcaraz, the loss may serve as a catalyst for further recovery and future success. As the tournament progresses, fans can expect more unforgettable moments, late‑night heroics, and the relentless pursuit of excellence that makes the US Open a pinnacle of the sport. The US Open continues to be broadcast live on Sky Sports from August 30, with streaming options available on NOW and the Sky Sports app.
Tennis enthusiasts can also catch the upcoming Laver Cup at The O2 in London from September 25‑27, also covered by Sky Sports.