Ben Shelton defeated Carlos Alcaraz in a five-set thriller at the US Open that concluded at 3:33 AM, marking the latest finish in tournament history. The match began at 11:05 PM on Tuesday and lasted four hours and 28 minutes, with Shelton winning 6-7, 6-1, 6-3, 1-6, 7-6.
The contest was not just a test of endurance for the players; the crowd remained in the stands until the final points, cheering continuously in support of the American. Shelton said the presence of his coaches, family, and friends, along with New York fans who kept cheering until 3 AM, gave him the motivation to keep fighting and close out the match.
A Memorable Night and a Lighthearted Plea
After the victory, Shelton recalled that his sister and close friend would have to go to work just a few hours later, having stayed in the stands until the end. Jokingly, he said, “I hope my close friend and my sister don’t have to work in three hours,” before asking their employers to give them the day off. His remark reflected the length of the night for both players and fans, as the match ended just hours before the workday began in New York.
Momentum Swings to a Deciding Set
Alcaraz entered the match with a perfect record against American players in Grand Slams, having won 13 consecutive matches without a loss. He took the first set in a tiebreak. However, the Spaniard’s level dropped in the second set, and Shelton capitalized on errors to even the match. Shelton then took the third set to go ahead.
Alcaraz fought back strongly in the fourth set, winning it 6-1 to force a deciding set, despite appearing physically unsettled and vomiting into a towel during one changeover. The fifth set remained level through 12 games before Shelton asserted himself in the extended tiebreak, winning it 10-7 to end Alcaraz’s tournament run.
Shelton’s victory came against a player who has won seven Grand Slam titles and was making his return to New York after an absence of about five months due to a wrist injury.
An American Dream Renewed
Shelton will face fellow American Frances Tiafoe in the semifinals, ensuring an American player in the final and boosting local hopes for the first American man to win a Grand Slam singles title since 2003.
With this win, Shelton entered US Open history by completing the tournament’s latest-finishing match and eliminating the defending champion in a battle that stretched until 3:33 AM.