Ben Shelton Stuns Carlos Alcaraz in US Open Epic

Ben Shelton stunned defending champion Carlos Alcaraz 6-7(5), 6-1, 6-3, 1-6, 7-6(10-7) in the early hours of Wednesday to reach the US Open semi-finals.

The American completed a remarkable victory in the latest-finishing match in US Open history, overcoming Alcaraz after four hours and 28 minutes of intense action.

Shelton’s win also created an all-American semi-final against compatriot Frances Tiafoe. The result has raised hopes among home fans of seeing the first American man win a Grand Slam title since 2003.

Seven-time major champion Alcaraz entered Arthur Ashe Stadium with a perfect 13-0 record against American men at Grand Slam tournaments. However, Shelton proved difficult to overcome in a match that started at 11.05pm on Tuesday and ended at 3.33am on Wednesday.

Alcaraz claimed the opening set through a closely fought tiebreak and appeared to have the advantage. Shelton, however, responded strongly as the Spaniard produced an unusually error-filled performance.

The American raced through the second set 6-1 before taking control of the third with a 6-3 victory. Alcaraz then fought back in the fourth set, winning it 6-1 and forcing a deciding set.

The defending champion, who was returning to New York after almost five months away with a wrist problem, looked short of his best. He made too many unforced errors from his forehand side, but still managed to stay in the contest as the crowd responded enthusiastically.

During the break before the final set, Alcaraz vomited into a towel. He nevertheless returned to the court and matched Shelton throughout the deciding set.

Neither player could create a decisive advantage over the opening 12 games of the fifth set. The contest then went to a deciding tiebreak, where Shelton held his nerve to complete one of the biggest wins of his career.

The American’s five-set victory now sends him into the last four, where he will face Tiafoe in an all-American battle.

For Shelton, the victory represents a major opportunity to challenge for his first Grand Slam title. For American tennis fans, it keeps alive the possibility of ending a long wait for a home-grown men’s champion at the sport’s biggest events.

Can Ben Shelton go one step further and reach his first US Open final?