Ben Shelton defeated defending U.S. Open champion Carlos Alcaraz in a five-set match that concluded at 3:33 a.m. on September 9, 2026, setting a new record for the latest finish in tournament history. The victory marked Shelton’s first career win over a top 5 seed in a grand slam and secured an American men’s U.S.
The match, which lasted 4 hours and 28 minutes, became the latest-finishing U.S. Open quarterfinal after Shelton clinched a 6-7 (5), 6-1, 6-3, 1-6, 7-6 (10-7) victory. Alcaraz had previously held the record for the latest finish after his 2022 quarterfinal against Jannik Sinner, which ended at 2:50 a.m. Shelton’s win also broke Alcaraz’s 18-match Grand Slam winning streak, ending the Spaniard’s title reign.
A Marathon for the Ages
The match began just after 11 p.m. on Tuesday and stretched into the early hours of Wednesday, with thousands of fans remaining to witness the conclusion. Shelton, the eighth-seeded American, dominated the second and third sets, winning nine consecutive games to take a 3-0 lead in the third. However, Alcaraz, returning from a right wrist injury, fought back, forcing a fifth set that saw both players trade serves.
It’s incredible,
Shelton said, crediting the crowd’s support. I always say that this is the greatest sports city in the world… I’m just hoping that my best friend and my sister over there don’t have to be at work at 6 a.m. in three hours.
American Hope and a Historic Semifinal
The win guarantees an American representative in Sunday’s final as the U.S. seeks its first men’s major title since Andy Roddick lifted a grand slam title at the U.S. Open in 2003. Shelton will face Frances Tiafoe in the semifinals.
Shelton’s victory is particularly significant for American tennis, which has not produced a men’s Grand Slam champion since Roddick in 2003. The 23-year-old’s win over Alcaraz marks a milestone as Shelton reached his third major semifinal. Shelton is positioned with his powerful serve drawing attention in the tournament.
A Day of Extended Battles
The U.S. Open’s marathon day featured three of four singles quarterfinals going to match tiebreakers. Aryna Sabalenka edged Wimbledon champion Linda Noskova, while Jessica Pegula overcame Emma Navarro in the women’s draw. On the men’s side, Tiafoe’s 4-hour and 38-minute comeback against Michelsen set the stage for Shelton’s late-night triumph.
Alcaraz’s exit leaves the tournament, with Alexander Zverev, the top seed and 2026 French Open champion, now the favorite. However, Shelton’s performance has reignited hopes for an American champion. Nos vamos contentos y con la cabeza arriba. La verdad es que queríamos ganar, pero también queríamos salir del torneo con partidos jugados y saliendo sanos,
Alcaraz said, acknowledging the physical toll of the match.
As the U.S. Open enters its final stages, all eyes will be on Shelton and Tiafoe’s semifinal. For Shelton, the win over Alcaraz is a milestone as American tennis seeks its first major title since 2003.
