American eighth seed Ben Shelton delivered one of the tournament’s signature moments as Shelton stuns Alcaraz US Open watchers with a five set victory over defending champion and second seed Carlos Alcaraz, winning 7-6, 6-1, 6-3, 1-6, 7-6 in a match that stretched deep into the early morning hours.
The marathon contest at Arthur Ashe Stadium did not conclude until 3:33 in the morning Eastern time, testing both players’ physical and mental endurance across nearly five hours of high intensity competition that many observers immediately labeled among the tournament’s most memorable matches.
Shelton produced what many consider the finest tennis of his career during the contest, overcoming the tournament favorite through a combination of powerful serving and improved shot consistency that has increasingly characterized his game as he has matured into one of the sport’s most dangerous competitors.
This victory sends Shelton into Friday’s semifinal against fellow American Frances Tiafoe, who advanced separately by erasing a two set deficit to defeat Alex Michelsen 5-7, 3-6, 7-5, 6-3, 7-6 in a dramatic fifth set tiebreak that included a crucial 135 mile per hour ace at a pivotal moment.
The all American semifinal matchup guarantees that a US player will reach Sunday’s championship match, continuing a tournament that has already produced significant American success across both the men’s and women’s draws throughout this year’s competition at Flushing Meadows.
Alcaraz’s elimination marks a disappointing end to his tournament title defense following his return from a lengthy injury layoff earlier this year, though his overall performance throughout the event suggested his game remains close to the elite level that made him the tournament’s top contender.
On the women’s side, Coco Gauff joined Jessica Pegula in the semifinal round, with both American players continuing their strong tournament performances heading into Thursday’s semifinal matches scheduled for Arthur Ashe Stadium during the evening session.
Top seed Aryna Sabalenka also advanced to the women’s semifinals, continuing her pursuit of a third consecutive US Open title despite facing periods of inconsistent form throughout various matches during this year’s tournament at Flushing Meadows.
This year’s tournament continues offering record prize money, with singles champions set to receive 5,500,000 dollars each, part of a total player compensation package reaching 108 million dollars, the largest in tournament history and a significant increase from previous years.
Weather and stadium conditions during Shelton’s marathon victory added to the drama, with the late finish testing spectator endurance alongside the players themselves, though enthusiastic fans remained through the conclusion of what many are already calling an instant classic.
As the tournament moves toward its concluding weekend, all attention now turns toward Friday’s semifinal matches. With Shelton’s dramatic victory reshaping the men’s draw, American tennis fans have significant reason for optimism heading into the tournament’s decisive final stages.
