Ben Shelton ends Alcaraz's US Open reign in historic 3am

Ben Shelton beat two-time defending champion Carlos Alcaraz in a US Open quarterfinal that concluded at 3:22 am, the latest finish in the tournament's history. The American eighth seed won 6-7 (5), 6-1, 6-3, 1-6, 7-6 (7), sealing the match with a 146 mph ace on his first match point in a deciding tie-break.

This marks Shelton's first victory in 18 attempts against a top-three ranked opponent and his first win in four meetings with Alcaraz. The match lasted over four hours and fifteen minutes, featuring a fifth set where neither player lost their serve. Alcaraz saved two break points at 3-4 before the dramatic tie-break commenced in the early morning.

What the defeat ended for Alcaraz

The loss snapped several significant streaks for the Spanish second seed. Alcaraz had been 25-0 at the US Open after winning the first set. He also saw an 18-match Grand Slam winning streak end. Also, his perfect 13-0 career record against American opponents at major tournaments was broken. This was only the second five-set defeat of his professional career.

It was a physically difficult night for the champion. Alcaraz was sick into his towel during the match. After winning the first set and leading 1-0, he lost nine consecutive games.

Shelton thanks the late-night crowd

In his on-court interview, Shelton dedicated the win to the fans who stayed until the early hours. "For the city of New York, they showed up tonight till 3 a.m.," he said. "With the USA chants until the very end, that's what kept me going and that's what got me this win tonight."

He then expressed concern for his supporters' schedules. "I'm just hoping that my best friend and my sister over there don't have to be at work at six a.m." Shelton also paid tribute to his opponent, calling it "an absolute honor" to share the court with Alcaraz.

A marathon day on Arthur Ashe Stadium

The historic match capped a day where all quarterfinals played on Arthur Ashe Stadium went the distance. The day's results were as follows:

Shelton now advances to face Frances Tiafoe in the semifinals. This creates the first all-American men's semifinal at the US Open in two years and only the third at any Grand Slam this century. The result equals Shelton's best major performance, following previous semifinal runs at the US Open three years ago and at last year's Australian Open. His summer form, which included winning a second ATP Masters 1000 title in Montreal, has carried into Flushing Meadows.