Shelton Stuns Alcaraz in Five-Set Thriller to Reach US Open Semifinal
In a match that will be remembered for years, Ben Shelton produced a stunning upset over Carlos Alcaraz at the US Open, winning 6-7(5), 6-1, 6-3, 1-6, 7-6(7) to advance to the semifinals. The eighth-seeded American’s victory was his first over Alcaraz in four meetings, his first over a top-three player, and marked the first time the Spaniard has lost at a major to an American or a left-hander. The win ended Alcaraz’s pursuit of an eighth major title and his attempt to become the first man since Roger Federer to successfully defend the US Open crown.
Alcaraz, who won the fourth set 6-1 and briefly looked like the seven-time major champion who claimed the Australian Open in January, couldn’t maintain that level. Shelton took control in the third set with a 6-3 performance that put Alcaraz on the brink of his earliest Grand Slam exit since the 2025 Australian Open. The American’s relentless pressure paid off as two of his three service breaks came courtesy of double faults from the Spaniard, including one on set point. Shelton’s ability to maintain his level in the crucial moments proved decisive.
For Shelton, this marathon win over a defending champion pushes him one step closer to American tennis history. Whoever wins the semifinal will be the first American man in a US Open final since Taylor Fritz in 2024, and will play on Sunday for the first American men’s major title since Andy Roddick at Flushing Meadows 23 years ago. Shelton, who will compete in his third major semifinal, has now firmly placed himself among the contenders for the title.
The tournament has been full of surprises, with Novak Djokovic, the 24-time major champion, upset in the first round, and 10th seed Arthur Fils also falling early, less than two weeks after winning Cincinnati. Djokovic’s absence removed one of Alcar
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