Shelton Stuns Alcaraz in Latest US Open Finish
Shelton defeats Alcaraz in latest-finishing US Open match, ending Spaniard's title defense and setting up all-American semifinal showdown.
The update
Ben Shelton defeated Carlos Alcaraz in a five-set thriller that became the latest-finishing match in US Open history, ending at 3:33 a.m. ET. Shelton won 6-7 (5), 6-1, 6-3, 1-6, 7-6 (10-7) in a 4-hour, 28-minute marathon that started just after 11 p.m.
Why it matters
The victory ends Alcaraz’s title defense and snaps his 18-match Grand Slam winning streak. Shelton’s win also breaks multiple streaks, including Alcaraz’s 13-match winning record against American players and 14-match streak against left-handed opponents. This sets up an all-American semifinal between Shelton and Frances Tiafoe, with the winner becoming the first American man to reach the US Open final since 2003.
What to watch
The all-American semifinal between Shelton and Tiafoe represents a historic moment for American tennis. The match will be the first major meeting in the semifinals or later between Black American men in the Open era, with one becoming the first Black American man to reach a US Open final since Arthur Ashe in 1972.
Sources
- cbssports.com — match details, finish time, and streak information
- espn.com — match statistics and historical context
- AFP — confirmation of latest finish record and American drought context
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