Ben Shelton produced one of the biggest wins of his career, defeating defending champion Carlos Alcaraz in the US Open 2026 quarterfinal. The Alcaraz vs Shelton quarterfinal ended 6-7(5), 6-1, 6-3, 1-6, 7-6(10/7) after four hours and 28 minutes.
The American completed the upset at 3:33 a.m. in New York during a dramatic deciding-set tie-break. Alcaraz could not extend his 18-match winning streak at the majors. The result sends Shelton into the semifinals for the first time since 2023.
Take a look at how the match unfolded, why the finish made history, and what awaits Shelton next.
How Did the Alcaraz vs Shelton US Open 2026 Quarter-Final Unfold
The Alcaraz vs Shelton US Open 2026 quarter-final swung repeatedly before Shelton finally won the deciding tie-break 10-7.
Alcaraz made the stronger start and took the opening set 7-6(5). Shelton then produced a major shift in the second set, racing away 6-1 and putting Alcaraz under pressure.
The American carried the advantage into the third set and won 6-3. He had now taken two consecutive sets after losing the opener, leaving Alcaraz one set from elimination.
Alcaraz, however, refused to let the match end quickly. He regained control in the fourth set and won 6-1, forcing Shelton into a deciding fifth set.
The final set became the defining stage of the Alcaraz vs Shelton battle. Neither player could finish the contest before the tie-break, leaving Shelton one final challenge after more than four hours.
Shelton then prevailed 10-7 in the deciding tie-break. He completed his first victory over Alcaraz and secured his place in the US Open semi-finals.
The Latest Finish in US Open History
The Alcaraz vs Shelton quarterfinal finished at 3:33 a.m. in New York. The match now holds the record for the latest finish at the US Open.
The previous record also involved Alcaraz. Exactly two years earlier, he defeated Jannik Sinner in a quarter-final that ended at 2:50 a.m.
Alcaraz saved a match point during his victory over Sinner. Against Shelton, however, he could not repeat the comeback.
Shelton completed the victory after four hours and 28 minutes. The late-night finish added another historic detail to his breakthrough performance.
Shelton’s Remarkable 2026 Hard-Court Run
Shelton now owns a 13-2 record across the North American hard-court swing. His run includes a second ATP Masters 1000 title in Montreal.
The 23-year-old has carried his strong form into New York, reaching the US Open semi-finals for the first time since his 2023 breakthrough run.
Shelton enters the final four with a 38-13 record in the 2026 season, adding Alcaraz to an impressive run of results.
Alcaraz, meanwhile, entered the tournament after a four-month injury layoff. Despite the lengthy absence, he had dropped only one set before meeting Shelton.
What Led to Alcaraz’s Quarterfinal Defeat Against Shelton?
Alcaraz’s quarterfinal defeat came from a combination of serve problems, errors, and physical strain. He hit seven double faults, while Shelton broke him three times in the second set. Alcaraz also struggled to maintain his usual forehand precision.
Physical demands added further pressure after his four-month absence due to a wrist injury. After a demanding fourth set, Alcaraz vomited into a towel during the break before the decider.
However, Shelton continued to apply pressure with his serve and athleticism. He then recovered from 3-5 in the final tiebreak before sealing the win 10-7.
What Comes Next for Ben Shelton?
Shelton will face No. 11 seed Frances Tiafoe in the US Open semi-finals, with both Americans targeting their first major final. The matchup also favours Shelton, who leads their rivalry 3-1 after four meetings.
Two of those clashes have come at the US Open. Shelton won their 2023 quarter-final in Flushing Meadows, while Tiafoe claimed their 2024 third-round meeting.
Now, Shelton has another chance to reach a Grand Slam final, carrying the confidence of a quarterfinal victory over defending champion Alcaraz. The semi-final also sets up another major test for the American in New York.
Read This Next:
Conclusion
Shelton’s victory signals a significant step in his development on the biggest stage. He now has another chance to turn a strong tournament run into a landmark achievement.
For Alcaraz, the defeat brings an unexpected pause after a remarkable run at the majors. His return also showed how demanding a comeback can become against an opponent playing with such conviction.
The result could give Shelton greater belief ahead of his semi-final against Tiafoe. For American tennis, the all-American clash also creates an opportunity to place one of its rising stars in a Grand Slam final.
