Ben Shelton stuns Carlos Alcaraz in record-late US Open quarterfinal
In a record-breaking marathon match, Ben Shelton stunned defending champion Carlos Alcaraz to reach the US Open semifinals. The encounter became the latest finish in tournament history, concluding at 3:33 a.m. ET.
Historic Match Ends at 3:33 a.m.
The U.S. Open quarterfinal between Ben Shelton and Carlos Alcaraz concluded at 3:33 a.m. ET on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, cementing its place as the latest finish in tournament history. The match, which began after 11 p.m. on Tuesday, lasted 4 hours and 28 minutes, with both players pushing each other to their physical and mental limits. Shelton’s 6-7(5), 6-1, 6-3, 1-6, 7-6(7) victory in a fifth-set super tiebreak marked a dramatic upset, ending Alcaraz’s reign as defending champion.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Match Duration | 4 hours, 28 minutes |
| Match End Time | 3:33 a.m. ET |
| Score | 6-7(5), 6-1, 6-3, 1-6, 7-6(7) |
| Super Tiebreak Score | 10-7 |
| Players’ ATP Rankings | Ben Shelton (9), Carlos Alcaraz (2) |
Shelton’s Breakthrough and Alcaraz’s Resilience
Ben Shelton, a 23-year-old from Gainesville, Florida, secured his first career U.S. Open quarterfinal victory in a match that showcased his relentless energy and tactical precision. The left-handed player, ranked No. 9 in the ATP, overcame a slow start to dominate the second and third sets before Alcaraz mounted a late comeback. The Spaniard, the 2023 and 2024 U.S. Open champion, clawed back to force a fifth set, but Shelton’s composure in the super tiebreak proved decisive.
Alcaraz, 23, admitted the loss was bittersweet. “I leave the court happy. I leave the court with a smile, healthy, and this is what I needed,” he said, citing his recent wrist injury as a factor in his performance. The defending champion had withdrawn from several tournaments earlier in 2026 to manage the injury, a decision that allowed him to compete at full strength in New York. Despite the defeat, Alcaraz praised Shelton’s effort, calling the match “a heavyweight prize fight” and acknowledging the American’s “unbelievable” talent.
Shelton’s Path to the Semifinals
Shelton’s victory sets up a potential all-American semifinal against Frances Tiafoe, the 11th seed, who defeated Hubert Hurkacz in a separate quarterfinal. If Shelton wins, he would face either Alexander Zverev or Jannik Sinner in the final, with the prospect of ending the U.S. men’s singles title drought since Andy Roddick’s 2003 victory. Shelton, who reached the 2023 U.S. Open semifinals and the 2025 Australian Open semifinals, described the win as “an absolute honor” and credited the crowd’s support for his resilience.
Shelton’s college career at the University of Florida included winning the 2021 national championship as a freshman and the 2022 national singles title. His father, Bryan Shelton, coached him during his time at the university, though no direct quotes from Bryan are cited in the sources.
Trinity Rodman’s Role and Future Challenges
Shelton’s victory was not without personal sacrifices. His girlfriend, U.S. women’s national team star Trinity Rodman, attended the match despite its late hour. Rodman, a Washington Spirit forward and 2024 Olympic gold medalist, was seen in the stands during the final set before returning to training with her club. The timing of the match created a scheduling conflict: If Shelton advanced to the semifinals, he would face Tiafoe on Friday, September 11, just hours before the Washington Spirit’s match against Boston Legacy on Sunday, September 13. Rodman’s ability to balance her professional commitments with Shelton’s tournament run remains a key storyline.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of Ben Shelton’s victory over Carlos Alcaraz?
Shelton’s win ends Alcaraz’s U.S. Open title defense and marks the first time an American man has reached the semifinals since 2003. It also sets up a potential all-American final, with Shelton facing Frances Tiafoe in the next round.
Why did the match end at 3:33 a.m.?
The match began after 11 p.m. on Tuesday, September 8, and concluded at 3:33 a.m. ET on Wednesday, September 9, after a fifth-set super tiebreak. It became the latest finish in U.S. Open history, surpassing previous records for late-night matches.
How did Carlos Alcaraz perform despite the loss?
Alcaraz, the defending champion, expressed satisfaction with his performance, citing his recent wrist injury and strategic withdrawals from prior tournaments as factors. He acknowledged Shelton’s “unbelievable” talent and called the match “a heavyweight prize fight.”
As the U.S. Open enters its final stages, the focus shifts to Shelton’s potential path to the title and the implications for American tennis. With the match clocking in at 3:33 a.m., the night’s drama has already become a defining moment of the tournament, setting the stage for what could be a historic conclusion.
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