Key Takeaways
- Ben Shelton outlasted Carlos Alcaraz in a five-set quarterfinal thriller at the US Open, winning 6-7(5) 6-1 6-3 1-6 7-6.
- Shelton credited the fans for carrying him through the record late finish: “That’s what kept me going and that’s what got me this win tonight.”
- Praising the electric environment, Shelton stated: “I always say that this is the greatest sports city in the world. I say that this is the greatest stadium in the world.”
A historic late-night quarterfinal thriller
In an unforgettable battle that pushed past 3:00 a.m. at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, Ben Shelton survived a five-set marathon against Carlos Alcaraz to claim a spot in the US Open semifinals. Shelton conquered the former tournament champion 6-7(5) 6-1 6-3 1-6 7-6 in front of a resilient New York crowd that cheered the American through the early hours of the morning.
When asked immediately after the victory how he found the energy and resolve to endure the grueling contest, Shelton pointed directly to the atmosphere inside the arena. “You know, for me, it’s always about the people in the crowd,” Shelton explained. “Whether it’s, you know, my coaches and my team over there, all my family and friends over here, or the city of New York that showed up tonight till 3:00 a.m. with the USA chants until the very end.” He added that their unwavering energy was vital: “That’s what kept me going and that’s what got me this win tonight.”
Praise for New York and the Arthur Ashe atmosphere
With the contest breaking records as the latest finish in tournament history, Shelton took time during his on-court interview to praise the venue and the loyal fans who remained in the stands. “Yeah, I mean it’s incredible. I always say that this is the greatest sports city in the world,” Shelton stated. He continued by praising the venue itself, adding, “I say that this is the greatest stadium in the world.”
Shelton also brought some levity to the late finish when thinking about his loved ones sitting in his player box. “I’m just hoping that my best friend and my sister over there don’t have to be at work at 6:00 a.m. in 3 hours,” he smiled. “It’d be huge from their employers to let them have the day off today.”
Grateful for the moment against Alcaraz
Reflecting on the magnitude of the victory and the experience of facing Alcaraz deep into the New York night, Shelton expressed deep appreciation for his journey. “No, I’m just I’m just so grateful. So blessed. God’s blessed me in so many ways,” Shelton said. “To be here in front of you guys tonight is an absolute honor.”
The American closed his remarks by offering respect to his opponent and the spectacle they created on the court. “Sharing the court with Carlos is an absolute honor and I cherish every moment that I have out here,” Shelton concluded before heading off to rest and recover ahead of his semifinal match.
Carlos Alcaraz in 2026
Currently ranked no.3, the Spaniard played his last match on the 8th of September when he lost to world no.9 Ben Shelton 6-7(5) 6-1 6-3 1-6 7-6 in the quarter of the U.S. Open (draw).
Currently, during this season Alcaraz owns an overall 26-5 match record. Alcaraz clinched 2 titles in 2026 at the Australian Open and Doha.
ATP U.S. Open - Ben Shelton's projected path
Shelton at the U.S. Open, ranking, and results in 2026
Ranked world no.9, Ben has a 39-13 match record in 2026. The American is now playing at the U.S. Open where he ousted the world no.56 Tallon Griekspoor 1-6 6-1 7-6(3) 6-2, the world no.47 Hubert Hurkacz 6-3 5-7 7-6(3) 7-5, the world no.48 Denis Shapovalov 7-6(3) 6-7(5) 6-3 6-4, the world no.53 Stefanos Tsitsipas 6-2 6-3 6-4 and the world no.3 Carlos Alcaraz 6-7(5) 6-1 6-3 1-6 7-6.
Ben Shelton will face the world no.12 Frances Tiafoe in the semifinal. Their current record is 3-1 for Shelton.
The American clinched 4 titles in 2026 in Dallas, Munich, Stuttgart and Montreal.
Ben won 7 titles in his career: 3 on hard courts, 2 on clay courts, 1 on indoor courts and 1 on grass courts. (See the list of his titles)
Carlos Alcaraz and Ben Shelton clashed against each other 4 times. The head to head is 3-1 for Alcaraz.
