Media365
USA’s Ben Shelton produced a stunning performance to beat defending champion Carlos Alcaraz and reach the US Open semifinals at Arthur Ashe Stadium on Wednesday.Shelton defeated World No. 2 Alcaraz in a five-set thriller, winning 6-7, 6-1, 6-3, 1-6, 7-6 to book his place in the last four. The match lasted 4 hours and 28 minutes and ended Alcaraz’s 18-match winning streak in Grand Slam tournaments.
Shelton sets up all-American semifinal
Shelton will now face fellow American Frances Tiafoe in the semifinals.Tiafoe reached his third US Open semifinal after beating Alex Michelsen 5-7, 3-6, 7-5, 6-3, 7-6 (10-6) on Tuesday.The result guarantees an American player will feature in Sunday’s final as the United States continues its wait for a men’s major champion since Andy Roddick won the US Open in 2003.
Home crowd backs Shelton
Thousands of fans stayed inside Arthur Ashe Stadium until the early hours to watch the match.Shelton received strong support from the home crowd, with fans chanting his name and shouting “USA! USA!” despite Alcaraz’s popularity.“It’s incredible,” Shelton said. “I always say that this is the greatest sports city in the world, I say that this is the greatest stadium 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.”
Shelton takes control after first set
Alcaraz won the opening set in a tiebreak, but Shelton quickly changed the momentum.The American won nine games in a row, starting early in the second set and continuing until he moved 3-0 ahead in the third.Alcaraz then fought back and won the fourth set 6-1 to force a deciding set.
Alcaraz battles despite illness
Alcaraz was playing his first tournament since April after returning from a right wrist injury.The defending champion continued fighting despite vomiting before the start of the final set.The fifth set eventually went to another tiebreak.Alcaraz moved ahead 5-3 after winning four straight points, but Shelton responded with his powerful serving and took advantage of some mistakes from his opponent.Shelton eventually sealed the win with a 146 mph serve that Alcaraz could not return.
Shelton reaches third major semifinal
The victory took Shelton into his third Grand Slam semifinal.He had previously reached the last four at the 2023 US Open and 2025 Australian Open.Alcaraz, meanwhile, is now 15-2 in five-set matches.He had won his seventh Grand Slam title at the Australian Open earlier this year before his injury.
