Shelton Defeats Alcaraz in Record-Breaking US Open Marathon

Ben Shelton achieved a historic victory over defending champion Carlos Alcaraz in a grueling five-set match that concluded at 3:33 a.m. on Wednesday, marking the latest finish in U.S. Open history. The eighth-seeded American defeated the second-seeded Spaniard 6-7, 6-1, 6-3, 1-6, 7-6 (10-7) in a marathon that lasted 4 hours and 28 minutes. This win advances Shelton to the semifinals, where he will face fellow American Frances Tiafoe. The match began after 11 p.m. Tuesday, following a day of lengthy contests at Flushing Meadows. Alcaraz, who had been bidding for his eighth career Grand Slam title, took the opening set in a tiebreak. However, Shelton responded strongly, winning the second and third sets decisively. Alcaraz fought back to force a fifth set, but Shelton ultimately prevailed in a tense tiebreak, sealing his biggest career win and ending Alcaraz's 18-match Grand Slam winning streak. Shelton's path to the semifinals included a straight-sets victory over Stefanos Tsitsipas in the fourth round. His semifinal opponent, Tiafoe, also endured a lengthy five-set battle to reach the same stage, defeating Alex Michelsen.