US Open Stunner: Shelton Knocks Out Defending Champion Alcaraz
What Happened
American eighth seed Ben Shelton defeated defending champion Carlos Alcaraz in a dramatic five-set quarter-final, 6-7, 6-1, 6-3, 1-6, 7-6 (10-7), to reach the US Open semi-finals. The marathon match lasted 4 hours 28 minutes and finished at 3:33 a.m., making it the latest-finishing match in US Open history. Shelton will now face fellow American Frances Tiafoe in the semi-finals.
Key Takeaways
The victory is the biggest of Shelton’s career, ending Alcaraz’s title defence and guaranteeing an American man a place in the US Open final. It also boosts hopes of the United States ending its long wait for a men's Grand Slam champion, with the last being Andy Roddick in 2003.