Ben Shelton dethrones Carlos Alcaraz in five-set thriller after latest US Open finish
Source: www.theguardian.com ·
Section: headlines ·
Bias: Center
· Published: Wed, 09 Sep 2026 08:04:18 GMT
Winner claims 6-7 (5), 6-1, 6-3, 1-6, 7-6 (7) victoryEpic quarter-final ends after 3.30am in New YorkAs the official tenth day of play in New York moved deeper into the remote hours of the new morning, every passing game imbued Carlos Alcaraz with greater despair. From his focused start, Alcaraz’s intensity had flatlined and he could barely put a ball in court. Alcaraz lost nine consecutive games against Ben Shelton and seemed to have nothing left.
Instead, the defending champion improbably dragged himself back into a contest that soon developed into one of the most remarkable matches of the year. The second seed Alcaraz’s latest attempt at orchestrating a monumental comeback was denied by a brave, defiant Shelton, the eighth seed, who refused to be shaken by his legendary rival or the looming prospect of securing the greatest win of career. After four hours and 29 minutes at 3:33am, the sun not long from rising over Flushing Meadows yet a half-full Arthur Ashe Stadium still hollering in unison until the end, Shelton ended Alcaraz’s reign with a 6-7(5), 6-1, 6-3, 1-6, 7-6 (7) victory to clinch the biggest win of his career and reach the semi-finals of the US Open.In the aftermath of his dominant fourth round victory over Tommy Paul, the expectations surrounding Alcaraz had risen exponentially as the seven-time grand slam champion attempted to defend his title. His level in the first three sets of the match, however, more faithfully reflected in the fact that this was his first tournament back from a four-and-a-half-month layoff. This was a massive opportunity for Shelton and, under such unique circumstances, he showed that he has the inner belief and resilience to rise to these occasions. He managed this match spectacularly, pairing his typically devastating serving, variation and athleticism with solid returning and steadfast consistency across five sets. Continue reading...
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