SHELTON ENDS ALCARAZ’S US OPEN TITLE DEFENCE IN FIVE-SET EPIC

American tennis star Ben Shelton has pulled off one of the biggest upsets of the 2026 US Open, defeating defending champion Carlos Alcaraz in a dramatic five-set quarter-final to book his place in the semi-finals. Shelton prevailed 6-7(5), 6-1, 6-3, 1-6, 7-6(10-7) in a marathon encounter that lasted four hours and 28 minutes at Arthur Ashe Stadium.

Alcaraz appeared to have made the perfect start after taking the opening set in a tense tie-break, but Shelton responded strongly and completely shifted the momentum. The American dominated the second and third sets with his powerful serving and aggressive baseline play, putting the Spaniard under sustained pressure before Alcaraz fought back to level the contest and force a deciding fifth set.

The final set produced another tense battle, with neither player willing to give up control before Shelton eventually prevailed in the deciding tie-break. The match ended at 3:33 a.m. local time, making it the latest finish in US Open history. Alcaraz also appeared to struggle physically during the contest, including vomiting during a break, but continued fighting until the final point.

Shelton’s victory sends him into his third Grand Slam semi-final and gives him another opportunity to challenge for his first major title. The American eighth seed will now face compatriot Frances Tiafoe in an all-American semi-final, guaranteeing that the United States will have a representative in the men’s final.

The result also ends Alcaraz’s defence of the title he won at Flushing Meadows in 2025. Despite the disappointment, the Spaniard’s run marked an encouraging return after an extended injury absence, while Shelton’s victory further strengthens his growing reputation as one of the leading American players on the men’s tour.