It was 3:33 am in New York when Ben Shelton and Carlos Alcaraz wrapped up one of the most unforgettable matches played at Arthur Ashe Stadium. Their men’s singles quarterfinal lasted four hours and 28 minutes. Normally, after such marathon encounters, it is Alcaraz who raises his hands, acknowledges the crowd and celebrates with his team. This time, it was eighth seed Shelton who stood before the home crowd and soaked in the applause, with many spectators staying despite knowing they would have to report to work just a few hours later.
Shelton celebrated as he secured a dramatic 6-7 (5), 6-1, 6-3, 1-6, 7-6 (10-7) victory. The result took him to his second US Open semifinal, three years after his breakthrough run to the last four in New York. It was also his first win against a player ranked inside the top three.
Calling the performance epic would barely do it justice. Shelton defeated Alcaraz by displaying the same qualities that the seven-time Grand Slam champion has used against countless opponents throughout his career: power, composure and the ability to capitalise on crucial moments.
When the match reached the final-set tiebreak, Shelton remained completely focused and produced the ruthless tennis that has long been a defining feature of Alcaraz’s game. The two players were evenly matched, but Shelton found an extra level when it mattered most. He took control of the decisive moments and refused to surrender his advantage, eventually sealing the win and booking his place in the semifinals.
Shelton credited the crowd with playing a decisive role in a contest that went beyond 3am.
"For me, it's always about the people in the crowd, whether it's my coaches and my team over there, all my family and friends over here. The city of New York, they showed up tonight till 3 a.m. With the USA chants until the very end, that's what kept me going, and that's what got me this win tonight," Shelton said after the match, still trying to regain his breath while speaking on court.
For Alcaraz, the loss could have highlighted the consequences of his lengthy absence from competitive tennis. Returning from a wrist injury that had sidelined him for more than four months, he appeared to lack sufficient match sharpness as the five-set battle progressed. At one point, he even vomited on court, suggesting his body was not yet fully prepared for the physical demands of Grand Slam five-set tennis.
Alcaraz had also arrived in New York without playing a warm-up tournament and was confronted by a highly motivated Shelton at a particularly difficult stage of his comeback.
A STATEMENT OF INTENT?
The 23-year-old Shelton has been close to making a major breakthrough for some time. Despite being a consistent top-10 player, he was not regarded as part of the elite Big Boys’ Club. His talent was never in question, but he often showed flashes of brilliance before fading when the pressure intensified.
Two Grand Slam semifinal appearances seemed insufficient in an era when Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner have effectively raised the standards for joining the sport’s elite. Tuesday’s performance, however, could prove to be an important turning point and a clear indication of Shelton’s ambitions.
He produced exceptional tennis throughout four hours and 28 minutes, repeatedly finding ways to remain competitive even when Alcaraz was operating at his best.
Shelton’s powerful serves regularly crossed 140 kph on the speed gun, while his aggressive game from the baseline proved strong enough to knock Alcaraz out of the tournament. Very few players are capable of doing that.
After surrendering the opening set, Shelton significantly raised his level. He unleashed winners from the baseline and attacked even his second serves with considerable aggression. By the end of the third set, when he had moved ahead 2-1, 38 per cent of his second serves had gone unreturned. Doing that against one of the finest returners of the modern era was itself a significant statement.
Even more impressive was Shelton’s response after he lost the fourth set 1-6. The left-hander quickly put the setback behind him and began the deciding set with the mindset of a player determined to make one final push.
At 4-3, Shelton had an opportunity to take a major step towards victory when he earned two break points on Alcaraz’s serve, but he failed to convert either. That gave the Spaniard another chance to fight his way back into the match. Against Alcaraz, allowing such opportunities to go begging can often prove costly.
Shelton, though, refused to lose his composure. He continued pushing the World No. 2 to the limit before finally closing out the contest in impressive fashion.
Shelton will now meet 11th seed Frances Tiafoe in an all-American semifinal on Friday. Tiafoe had earlier defeated compatriot Alex Michelsen in another five-set battle on Tuesday.
The possibility of an American lifting the US Open men’s singles trophy for the first time in 23 years remains alive. Top seed Alexander Zverev, the only Grand Slam champion remaining in the other half of the draw, is now the player standing between that possibility and a place in the final.
