Shelton defeats Alcaraz in record-late U.S. Open quarterfinal
American Ben Shelton edged out Spain's Carlos Alcaraz 6-7(5), 6-1, 6-3, 1-6, 7-6(10-7) in a quarterfinal that concluded at 3:33 a.m., setting a new latest-finish record at the tournament.
American Ben Shelton overcame third-seed Carlos Alcaraz in a five-set quarterfinal at the U.S. Open, finishing at 3:33 a.m. Eastern time, the latest completion in the event’s history. The match, played before a crowd of about 24,000 in Arthur Ashe Stadium, ended 6-7(5), 6-1, 6-3, 1-6, 7-6(10-7) with Shelton sealing victory on a 146 mph ace in the final tiebreak.
"That was a war. Epic match. So physical," Shelton said after the win, adding that Alcaraz is "one of the greatest champions in our sport already at 23 years old."
Alcaraz, returning from a five-month wrist injury, led the first set before Shelton rallied to take the next two sets, capitalising on a surge of unforced errors from the Spaniard. After Alcaraz captured the fourth set, the two players entered a decisive 10-point tiebreak, which Shelton won 8-7.
The marathon match followed a day that saw Shelton recover from a lengthy earlier three-hour doubles match and then defeat Canada’s Denis Shapovalov in the previous round. With the win, Shelton advances to the semifinals, where he will face fellow American Frances Tiafoe.