Ben Shelton defeated Carlos Alcaraz 6-7 (5), 6-1, 6-3, 1-6, 7-6 (10-7) at the U.S. Open in New York City on Sept. 9, 2026, according to CBS News and AFP via Getty Images. The match, which ended at 3:33 a.m. Wednesday, marks the latest-finishing contest in tournament history, surpassing a 2:50 a.m. finish from a 2022 quarterfinal between Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner, as reported by CBS News.
How Ben Shelton Dethroned Carlos Alcaraz in a 4-Hour Marathon
The quarterfinal battle lasted 4 hours and 28 minutes, according to CBS News. Alcaraz’s 18-match winning streak in Grand Slam tournaments came to a close during the contest, per CBS News. Shelton advanced to his third major semifinal, having previously reached that stage at the 2023 U.S. Open and the 2025 Australian Open, according to CBS News and other reports. Shelton capitalized on a home-crowd advantage in Arthur Ashe Stadium, where fans chanted his name alongside “USA! USA!” according to CBS News.
“It’s incredible,” Shelton said, according to CBS News. “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.”
Did you know? Ben Shelton finished off the historic victory with a 146 mph serve that Alcaraz could not return, according to CBS News and other reports. The match concluded in a super tiebreak where Shelton secured the final set 10-7.
Frances Tiafoe Awaits in the U.S. Open Semifinals
Shelton will next face No. 11 seed Frances Tiafoe in the semifinals, ensuring a U.S. representative in Sunday’s final as the country seeks its first men’s major title since Andy Roddick won in 2003, according to CBS News. Tiafoe reached his third U.S. Open semifinal by defeating fellow American Alex Michelsen 5-7, 3-6, 7-5, 6-3, 7-6 (10-6) on Tuesday, per CBS News.
Tuesday’s quarterfinal schedule featured heavy attrition, with three of the four singles matches extending to match tiebreakers, according to CBS News. Aryna Sabalenka opened the day by defeating Wimbledon champion Linda Noskova to sustain her bid for a third straight U.S. title, per CBS News. Alcaraz, playing in his first tournament since April following a right wrist injury recovery, dealt with physical distress that included vomiting before the final set, according to CBS News. Alcaraz fought back from a deficit in the final set tiebreaker by winning four straight points to lead 5-3, but ultimately fell short against Shelton’s powerful serves, per CBS News.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did the Ben Shelton and Carlos Alcaraz U.S. Open match end?
According to CBS News, the match ended at 3:33 a.m. on Wednesday, making it the latest-finishing match in the history of the tournament.
Who does Ben Shelton play next in the tournament?
Shelton advances to face No. 11 seed Frances Tiafoe in the semifinals, guaranteeing an American player in the tournament’s final, according to CBS News.
What was the previous record for the latest finish at the U.S. Open?
According to CBS News, the previous record was set during the 2022 quarterfinals when Carlos Alcaraz defeated Jannik Sinner in a match that finished at 2:50 a.m.
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