Shelton knocks out Alcaraz to reach US Open semi-final
Published: 09 September 2026, 8:31:52
Collected Photo
American Ben Shelton defeated defending champion Carlos Alcaraz in a thrilling US Open quarter-final to reach the semi-finals.
Shelton beat the Spanish star 6-7 (5-7), 6-1, 6-3, 1-6, 7-6 (10-7) in a 4-hour 28-minute battle that ended at 3:33am local time on Wednesday, making it the latest finish in US Open history.
Alcaraz won the opening set in a tie-break, but Shelton dominated the next two sets. Alcaraz responded by taking the fourth set 6-1 to level the match.
Alcaraz became ill during the changeover between the fourth and fifth sets and vomited into a towel, but continued to fight.
The deciding set went to a 10-point match tie-break, with Shelton eventually securing a 10-7 victory.
Emotional after the match, Shelton credited his family, coaches and the New York crowd for supporting him until the early hours.
“Having my family, coaches and the New York crowd behind me until 3am is what got me this win,” he said.
