Shelton beats Alcaraz in late-night epic to reach US Open semis

Ben Shelton defeated Carlos Alcaraz in a five‑set US Open quarter‑final that ended at 3:34 a.m. local time, the latest finish in tournament history. According to BBC, the match lasted four hours and 28 minutes on Arthur Ashe Stadium after a delayed start. Shelton secured victory through the scoreline of 6‑7, 6‑1, 6‑3, 1‑6, 7‑6 (10‑7) which earned him a standing ovation from the audience. The BBC quoted him describing the match as a battle which turned into an epic contest. Shelton achieved his first victory against a top-three player after facing them seventeen times which secured his spot in the semi-finals against American player Frances Tiafoe. Alcaraz, who returned to play after his wrist injury made him miss the French Open and Wimbledon, had achieved 28 victories out of his 31 US Open matches before facing defeat. Some observers note his lack of recent match play may have affected his performance, though the outlet reports he fought hard and left the court smiling. The late-night game between young supporters demonstrated how players can achieve victory through their determination when fans back them which unites the crowd with players who want to achieve the first American male win at the US Open since 2003.