Carlos Alcaraz was eliminated from the US Open after losing to American Ben Shelton in one of the tournament’s longest and most dramatic matches.
Shelton prevailed 6-7, 6-1, 6-3, 1-6, 7-6 after a marathon battle lasting 4 hours and 28 minutes, securing his first career victory over Alcaraz and ending the defending champion’s title defense.
Shelton Wins Epic Five-Set Battle
The match began late on Tuesday evening and continued into the early hours of Wednesday morning before Shelton finally secured victory in the deciding set through a tiebreak.
The contest featured major swings in momentum, with both players taking control of different sets before Shelton capitalized on Alcaraz’s decline in the final stage of the match.
Alcaraz Struggles with Fatigue
Alcaraz faced difficult physical moments during the fifth set after more than four hours of intense competition.
The Spanish star appeared to be affected by exhaustion at one point, seemingly vomiting into a towel, highlighting the physical demands of the marathon encounter.
Shelton took advantage of his opponent’s struggles and eventually closed out the deciding set in the tiebreak.
Shelton Records First Win Over Alcaraz
The victory marked Shelton’s first win over Alcaraz and one of the biggest achievements of his professional career.
The American also recorded his first victory over a player ranked inside the world’s top three after 18 previous attempts, making the result even more significant.
Alcaraz Returns to New York After Long Absence
The match was Alcaraz’s first appearance in New York after an absence of around four and a half months caused by a wrist injury.
The injury had forced him to miss the French Open and Wimbledon before he returned to competition at the US Open.
Despite his elimination, Alcaraz produced a highly competitive performance before ultimately falling in the deciding set.
New York Crowd Supports Shelton Until 3 a.m.
Shelton received tremendous support from the crowd throughout the match, with a number of fans remaining in the stands until around 3 a.m. to support the American.
His girlfriend Trinity Rodman was also present to cheer him on during the encounter, adding to the remarkable atmosphere surrounding the late-night battle.
Shelton Sets Up Tiafoe Semifinal
Shelton’s victory sends him into the US Open semifinals, where he will face fellow American Frances Tiafoe in an all-American showdown.
The two Americans will be looking to continue their title runs and end a long wait for a US champion in the men’s singles event, with Andy Roddick’s 2003 triumph remaining the last American men’s singles title at the tournament.
Shelton Credits the Crowd for His Energy
After the match, Shelton said the fans who remained in the stands into the early hours gave him the energy to continue fighting against Alcaraz.
He also highlighted the support of his family, friends and the New York crowd, which helped him battle until the final point.
Shelton described sharing the court with Alcaraz as a great honor and said he appreciated every moment of the historic contest.
US Open Guaranteed to Have a New Champion
With Alcaraz eliminated, the US Open men’s singles competition is guaranteed to crown a new champion this year.
Shelton will now focus on his semifinal against Tiafoe as he looks to continue his remarkable run and move one step closer to the title.
Who won the Alcaraz vs. Shelton match?
Ben Shelton defeated Carlos Alcaraz 6-7, 6-1, 6-3, 1-6, 7-6.
How long did the match last?
The match lasted 4 hours and 28 minutes.
Did Ben Shelton reach the semifinals?
Yes. Shelton advanced to the semifinals, where he will face Frances Tiafoe.
Why had Alcaraz been absent before the US Open?
He had been sidelined by a wrist injury for around four and a half months, causing him to miss the French Open and Wimbledon.
Will the US Open have a new men’s champion?
Yes. Alcaraz’s elimination guarantees that a new men’s singles champion will be crowned this year.
