Shelton Stuns Alcaraz in Latest US Open Finish Ever

Ben Shelton produced the biggest victory of his career on Wednesday, upsetting defending champion Carlos Alcaraz in a five-set US Open quarterfinal that ended at 3:33 a.m. ET, the latest finish in tournament history. The match lasted four hours and 28 minutes, with Shelton prevailing 6-7, 6-1, 6-3, 1-6, 7-6 after a deciding-set tiebreak at Arthur Ashe Stadium. Alcaraz took the opening set in a tiebreaker before Shelton dominated the second and third sets. The former Grand Slam champion stormed back with a 6-1 fourth set, forcing a winner-take-all fifth that Shelton ultimately closed out. The victory snapped Alcaraz's 18-match winning streak, a 13-0 run against American opponents, a 14-0 record against left-handed players, and 12 consecutive five-set wins, according to figures cited in reporting. Shelton, the world No. 9, described the physical toll bluntly afterward. "I'm tired. It was a war," he said, while also calling it the most enjoyable match of his career and praising Alcaraz as one of the sport's greatest champions. Alcaraz, despite the defeat, said he and Shelton were leaving the court smiling, calling such battles the reason players compete.