Ben Shelton beats Carlos Alcaraz in fifth-set tie-break at 3.33am

Ben Shelton’s five-set thriller against Carlos Alcaraz at the 2026 U.S. Open concluded at 3:33 a.m. on Wednesday, etching its place in tennis history as the latest-finishing match in the tournament’s history. The 23-year-old American, seeded eighth, defeated the two-time defending champion 6-7(5), 6-1, 6-3, 1-6, 7-6(10-7) after a grueling 4 hours and 28 minutes, ending Alcaraz’s 18-match Grand Slam winning streak and delivering a seismic blow to the Spaniard’s title defense.

The match, which began at 11:05 p.m. on Tuesday, became a test of endurance and tactical ingenuity. Alcaraz, the No. 2 seed, initially dominated the first set with a tie-break win, but Shelton’s relentless intensity and defensive prowess turned the tide. After a slow start, Shelton surged to a 3-0 lead in the third set, exploiting Alcaraz’s uncharacteristic errors, including a mid-match vomiting incident. The Spaniard clawed back to force a fifth set, but Shelton’s towering 146 mph serve and composure in the tie-break proved decisive.

“It’s incredible. I always say this is the greatest sports city in the world,” Shelton said after the match, crediting the New York crowd for fueling his resolve. The American’s victory not only ended the U.S. men’s 23-year Grand Slam drought since Andy Roddick’s 2003 triumph but also positioned him as a potential successor to Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner in the global tennis hierarchy.

Alcaraz’s Struggles and Shelton’s Resilience

Alcaraz, returning from a five-month absence due to a wrist injury, faced a relentless opponent. Despite his physical setbacks, the Spaniard fought valiantly, forcing the match into a fifth set with a 1-6 fourth-set win. However, Shelton’s tactical adjustments—particularly his deep returns and aggressive net play—undermined Alcaraz’s rhythm. The final set, which began at 3:20 a.m., saw both players trade breaks before a 10-point tie-break decided the match. Shelton took the tie-break 10-7, sealing the victory with a 146 mph ace that left Alcaraz rooted to the spot.

Alcaraz, who had previously defeated Shelton in five-set matches, acknowledged the American’s prowess post-match. “He’s a great player. I gave everything, but he was better tonight,” Alcaraz said. The Spaniard’s 15-2 record in five-set matches now includes his second loss, following his 2022 Australian Open defeat to Matteo Berrettini.

American Dominance and the Road to the Final

Shelton’s triumph ensures an American men’s finalist for the third time in 20 years, with his semi-final opponent set to be Frances Tiafoe. Tiafoe, who had earlier overcome a five-set epic against Alex Michelsen, will face Shelton in a rematch of their 2023 U.S. Open quarter-final. The all-American semi-final has reignited hopes of a historic title run, with Shelton’s victory over Alcaraz elevating him as a frontrunner.

The match’s late finish highlighted the U.S. Open’s logistical challenges, as three quarter-finals extended into the early hours. Tournament officials confirmed that all scheduled matches were completed, despite the delays. The event also underscored the tournament’s enduring appeal, with thousands of fans remaining until the final point, chanting “USA!” and celebrating Shelton’s breakthrough.

The victory cements Shelton as a rising force in men’s tennis, with his performance against Alcaraz suggesting he could be the face of the sport for a generation. As the U.S. Open enters its final stages, the stage is set for another chapter in the storied rivalry between American stars and global titans, with Shelton’s name now etched into the tournament’s annals.