Shelton Stuns Alcaraz in Historic US Open Marathon, Sets Up All-American Semi-Final With Tiafoe

American eighth seed Ben Shelton has produced one of the biggest upsets of the 2026 US Open, defeating defending champion Carlos Alcaraz in a five-set thriller that finished at 3:33 a.m. in New York; the latest-ending match in the tournament’s history.

Shelton recovered from losing the opening set to defeat the second-seeded Spaniard 6-7(5), 6-1, 6-3, 1-6, 7-6(10-7) in a contest that lasted four hours and 28 minutes.

The dramatic finish came in a deciding-set tiebreak, where Shelton held his nerve to complete the biggest victory of his career. It was his first victory over a top-three opponent after 17 previous attempts, while it was also his first win against Alcaraz in four meetings.

The defeat brought Alcaraz’s US Open title defence to an end and snapped his 18-match Grand Slam winning streak. The Spaniard had won the 2025 US Open and entered this year’s tournament among the favourites to retain his crown.

Alcaraz showed signs of physical distress during the marathon, including an episode of vomiting during a changeover, but continued fighting and forced Shelton into a fifth-set tiebreak.

Despite the defeat, the Spaniard’s campaign marked a return to Grand Slam competition after an extended injury absence, and he pushed Shelton all the way before finally bowing out.

Shelton’s reward is an all-American semi-final against compatriot Frances Tiafoe, guaranteeing that an American man will reach Sunday’s final. Tiafoe also survived a five-set battle, defeating Alex Michelsen 5-7, 3-6, 7-5, 6-3, 7-6(10-6).

The semi-final will carry additional significance for American tennis. The United States has been waiting for its next men’s Grand Slam singles champion since Andy Roddick won the 2003 US Open.

Tiafoe is reaching the US Open semi-finals for the third time, while Shelton is appearing in the last four of the tournament for the second time in his career. Their clash now gives American tennis fans a guaranteed finalist on home soil.

The tournament bracket lists Tiafoe vs Shelton as one of the men’s semi-finals, scheduled for September 11.

The match began at 11:05 p.m. and continued deep into the early hours, breaking the previous record for the latest finish in US Open history.

Shelton’s victory was built on his ability to recover after dropping a tight opening set and then maintain his composure when Alcaraz fought back in the fourth.

The 23-year-old American now has the opportunity to go one step further than his previous US Open run and compete for his first Grand Slam title.