Ben Shelton defeated Carlos Alcaraz 6-7 (5), 6-1, 6-3, 1-6, 7-6 (10-7) in a match that wrapped up at 3:33 a.m. Wednesday, ending Alcaraz’s 18‑match Grand Slam winning streak.
The encounter, the latest‑finishing match in U.S. Open history, lasted 4 hours and 28 minutes. Shelton’s victory was the first time Alcaraz had been stopped in a Grand Slam since the 2022 quarter‑final against Jannik Sinner.
Shelton will now face No. 11 seed Frances Tiafoe, who reached his third U.S. Open semifinal after a 5‑7, 3‑6, 7‑5, 6‑3, 7‑6 (10‑6) win over Alex Michelsen on Tuesday.
Alcaraz, returning from a right‑wrist injury, fought back in the final set despite vomiting before play. Shelton, who has reached the final four at the 2023 U.S. Open and the 2025 Australian Open, seized control early, winning nine straight games to lead 3‑0 in the third set.
The U.S. now has a man in the Sunday final, the country’s first men’s major title since Andy Roddick in 2003. Shelton’s win marks his third major semifinal appearance.
