Ben Shelton beats Carlos Alcaraz in U.S. Open's latest-finishing match ever
CBS News • • sports
Key Points:
- Ben Shelton defeated defending champion Carlos Alcaraz in the latest-finishing match in U.S. Open history, winning 6-7 (5), 6-1, 6-3, 1-6, 7-6 (10-7) after 4 hours and 28 minutes, with the match concluding at 3:33 a.m.
- Shelton will face No. 11 seed Frances Tiafoe in the semifinals, ensuring an American finalist at the U.S. Open for the first time since Andy Roddick's 2003 victory.
- Alcaraz's 18-match Grand Slam winning streak ended, and he struggled physically during the match, including vomiting before the final set, marking his first tournament back after a wrist injury.
- Shelton's win marks his first career victory over a top 5 seed in a Grand Slam and advances him to his third major semifinal, having previously reached the 2023 U.S. Open and 2025 Australian Open semifinals.
- The match featured intense moments, including a comeback from Shelton in the final tiebreaker, powered by his strong serves exceeding 140 mph, ultimately sealing the victory with a 146 mph serve.
