Ben Shelton stunned Carlos Alcaraz in a thrilling five-set US Open quarterfinal, ending the defending champion’s 18-match Grand Slam winning streak.

Ben Shelton produced the biggest victory of his career at the US Open, knocking defending champion Carlos Alcaraz out in a dramatic five-set quarterfinal that lasted four hours and 28 minutes.

The American defeated Alcaraz 6-7(5), 6-1, 6-3, 1-6, 7-6(10/7) in a contest packed with momentum swings, powerful serving and late-night drama. The victory ended Alcaraz’s 18-match winning run at Grand Slam tournaments and sent the American into the semifinals.

Shelton Ends Alcaraz’s Grand Slam Winning Streak

The quarterfinal became a battle of endurance after both players traded dominant stretches throughout the match. Alcaraz took the opening set in a tiebreak, but Ben Shelton responded strongly and took control of the next two sets.

The Spaniard refused to surrender, leveling the match by winning the fourth set 6-1. That forced a deciding set, where neither player was willing to give up an advantage.

The match eventually went to a deciding tiebreak. Shelton held his nerve and secured the victory 10-7, completing one of the most memorable wins of his career.

Latest Finish in US Open History

The contest also created a new record at Flushing Meadows. Shelton hit the match-winning 146 mph ace at 3:33 a.m. local time, making it the latest finish in US Open history.

Interestingly, Alcaraz was also involved in the previous record. Two years earlier, he played a five-set quarterfinal against Jannik Sinner that finished at 2:50 a.m. in New York.

The extraordinary timing added another layer to an already remarkable quarterfinal.

Alcaraz’s Title Defence Comes to an End

Alcaraz arrived in New York with plenty of momentum despite returning to competition after a four-month injury absence. He had lost only one set on his way to the quarterfinals before meeting Shelton.

The Spaniard was chasing his eighth Grand Slam title and hoping to successfully defend his US Open championship. A victory would also have put him in rare company, as he looked to become the first men’s player since Roger Federer to retain the US Open crown.

Instead, his title defence ended against an inspired American opponent.

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Shelton Continues His Impressive Rise

For Ben Shelton, the win represents another major step forward. The American had already enjoyed a strong season, including a second ATP Masters 1000 title in Montreal.

His performance in New York now puts him back in the US Open semifinals, marking his first appearance in the last four at the hard-court major since 2023.

Shelton’s ability to recover after losing the opening set proved crucial. His powerful serve and aggressive approach helped him withstand Alcaraz’s comeback and eventually close out the deciding tiebreak.

Shelton vs Frances Tiafoe in the Semifinal

Shelton’s next challenge will be another American, 11th seed Frances Tiafoe.

Both players will be targeting a first Grand Slam final appearance, making the semifinal particularly significant for American men’s tennis.

Ben Shelton currently leads his head-to-head rivalry with Tiafoe 3-1. Their rivalry has already produced memorable matches at the US Open, with two of their four meetings taking place on the hard courts of Flushing Meadows.

Shelton won their 2023 quarterfinal meeting, while Tiafoe came out on top when they met in the third round in 2024.

A Major Opportunity for American Tennis

The all-American semifinal guarantees that one of the two players will reach the US Open final. For Ben Shelton, another victory would take him to his first Grand Slam final and potentially establish him as one of the leading figures of the next generation of American tennis.

His victory over Alcaraz has already delivered a statement on the biggest stage. After defeating the defending champion in a marathon encounter, Shelton now has a chance to go even further in New York.

For Alcaraz, meanwhile, the defeat brings an unexpected end to his US Open campaign after a promising return from injury.

The American’s stunning victory has changed the complexion of the tournament, and all eyes will now be on Shelton when he faces Tiafoe for a place in the championship match.

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