Ben Shelton has reached the U.S. Open semifinals after defeating seven-time major champion Carlos Alcaraz in a grueling five-set match that concluded at 3:33 a.m. Wednesday morning. The marathon contest, lasting four hours and 28 minutes, marks the latest finish in U.S. Open history and propels the 23-year-old American into a potential drought-breaking Grand Slam run.
Shelton, the eighth seed, defeated the two-time U.S. Open champion Alcaraz with a final score of 6-7 (5), 6-1, 6-3, 1-6, 7-6 (7). Alcaraz, who had only dropped one set prior to this match, was unable to overcome Shelton's powerful serve and baseline game.
The victory ensures an American man will compete in the U.S. Open final for the second time in three years and marks the third time in two decades. Shelton's performance has been hailed as potentially ending a 23-year Grand Slam title drought for American men, since Andy Roddick's victory in 2003.
"For me it’s always about the people in the crowd," Shelton said during an on-court interview. "Whether it’s my team over there, my family and friends over here, every single New Yorker showing up here tonight at 3 am with the USA chants until the very end."
Shelton showcased a dynamic playing style on the New York stage, rallying with Alcaraz and controlling points both at the baseline and at the net. Despite a strong performance, the match extended to a decisive fifth set.
As the fifth set progressed past 2:50 a.m., the match became the latest in U.S. Open history. The tension escalated as both players held serve, with the set eventually going to a tiebreak. Shelton secured the win with an ace after a dramatic back-and-forth.
Earlier in the match, after dropping the first set in a tiebreak, Shelton dominated the second and third sets, winning nine consecutive games to take a commanding lead. Alcaraz mounted a comeback to win the fourth set, forcing the decisive fifth set.
Shelton will face fellow American Frances Tiafoe in the semifinals. The emergence of Shelton is being viewed as a significant moment for American men's tennis, potentially signaling a new era.
"It’s incredible," Shelton added. "I would say this is the greatest sports city in the world, I would say this is at the greatest stadium in the world. I’m just hoping my best friend and my sister up there don’t have to be at work at 6 am in three hours."