NEW YORK — Ben Shelton secured a spot in the US Open semi-finals after a grueling five-set victory over defending champion Carlos Alcaraz. The match, which began on Tuesday night, concluded at 3:33 a.m. on Wednesday morning, marking the latest finish in tournament history and the fifth-latest in Grand Slam history.
The 23-year-old Shelton clinched the win with his seventh ace of the match. Following the final point, Shelton embraced Alcaraz at the net before turning toward his coach’s box to celebrate. During his post-match interview, Shelton acknowledged his family in the stands, including his mother and his sister, Emma, jokingly requesting that his sister be granted a day off after staying up to watch the conclusion of the match.
The victory keeps alive the possibility of an American man winning the US Open for the first time since 2003. Shelton’s performance in the high-stakes, late-night environment at Arthur Ashe Stadium highlights his progression in the tournament as he advances to the next round.