Ben Shelton produced one of the biggest wins of his career on Wednesday, defeating defending champion Carlos Alcaraz in a five-set US Open quarter-final that became the latest finish in Flushing Meadows history.
The American prevailed 6-7 (5/7), 6-1, 6-3, 1-6, 7-6 (10/7) after four hours and 28 minutes of intense action on Arthur Ashe Stadium. The contest ended at 3:34 am, surpassing the tournament’s previous record for the latest finish.
Shelton’s victory ended Alcaraz’s bid to successfully defend his US Open crown, with the Spaniard making his return to competition after a four-month injury layoff.
The 23-year-old American will now face compatriot Frances Tiafoe for a place in the final. Tiafoe had earlier completed an extraordinary comeback against Alex Michelsen, recovering from two sets down to win 5-7, 3-6, 7-5, 6-3, 7-6 (10/6).
Shelton, visibly appreciative of the New York crowd that remained inside the stadium into the early morning, described the occasion as special.
“It’s incredible,” he said.
“I always say that this is the greatest sports city in the world. I say that this is the greatest stadium in the world.
“To be here in front of you guys tonight is an absolute honor.”
He also paid tribute to his opponent, saying, “Sharing the court with Carlos is an absolute honor, and I cherish every moment that I have out here.”
The women’s draw had also produced a dramatic contest earlier in the day, with two-time defending champion Aryna Sabalenka surviving a major scare against 21-year-old Czech player Linda Noskova.
Sabalenka won 7-6 (7/1), 3-6, 7-6 (10/7), despite being pushed to the limit in the deciding set.
“What a battle,” Sabalenka told the crowd. “I was pushing myself to the limit, especially in the third set.”
She had trailed 4-2 in the final set and admitted she had briefly believed the match was slipping away.
“I honestly thought that was it, the match was over, and that’s what helped me to feel loose and go for my shots,” she said.
Sabalenka’s reward is another meeting with Jessica Pegula, who defeated fellow American Emma Navarro 3-6, 6-4, 6-3 after recovering from a set down.
The Belarusian beat Pegula in the 2024 US Open final and defeated her again in last year’s semi-final, leaving the American with a difficult challenge as she seeks her first Grand Slam final appearance since reaching the US Open title match in 2024.
