In a thrilling match that extended into the early hours of the morning, Ben Shelton defeated defending champion Carlos Alcaraz after a remarkable five-set battle at the US Open. The contest, which lasted 4 hours and 28 minutes, ended with Shelton winning 6-7 (5), 6-1, 6-3, 1-6, 7-6 (7) at 3:33 AM, marking Shelton's biggest career victory and his advancement to the semifinals.
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As Alcaraz, the second seed, struggled to maintain his level after a promising start, he lost nine consecutive games to Shelton. Despite Alcaraz's attempts to mount a comeback, Shelton remained unfazed, showcasing his powerful serve and strong baseline game.
Historically, expectations for Alcaraz had surged following his dominant performance against Tommy Paul. However, this match reflected the challenges he faced returning from a four-and-a-half-month layoff. As the match progressed, Alcaraz showed signs of fatigue, even becoming ill on court, yet he remained positive post-match, expressing pride in his fight and resilience
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"It was close. I’m just happy. I’m just proud about myself, about how I fought," Alcaraz stated, indicating he was content with his performance despite the loss.
With Alcaraz out, a new champion will be crowned, and Shelton will face his friend and fellow American Frances Tiafoe in the semifinals. Alcaraz praised Shelton's skills, describing him as a powerful player who handled pressure well. He concluded his reflections with a sense of accomplishment, smiling as he exited the court.
Tuesday's quarterfinals delivered thrilling matches, with all four matches extending to deciding sets. These included notable victories from Aryna Sabalenka, Tiafoe, and Jessica Pegula, highlighting a historic day in tennis. Shelton emphasized the enjoyment of being part of such an extraordinary match, irrespective of the outcome.