New York, 09 September (H.S.): Ben Shelton pulled off a stunning upset in the early hours of Wednesday, defeating defending champion and seven-time Grand Slam winner Carlos Alcaraz of Spain in a thrilling five-set encounter to reach the semifinals of the US Open 2026. Shelton prevailed 6-7(5), 6-1, 6-3, 1-6, 7-6(10-7), setting up an all-American semifinal against Frances Tiafoe.

The gripping battle between Shelton and Alcaraz lasted four hours and 28 minutes, making it the latest-finishing match in the history of the tournament. The contest began at 11:05 p.m. on Tuesday and concluded at 3:33 a.m. on Wednesday.

Alcaraz had entered the match with a formidable 13-0 record against American men in Grand Slam matches, but Shelton ended that remarkable streak. The Spaniard made a strong start by taking the opening set in a closely contested tiebreak. However, Shelton capitalised on Alcaraz’s errors in the second set and raced to a 6-1 win.

Shelton continued his momentum in the third set, winning it 6-3 to move ahead in the match. Alcaraz, who was returning to competitive action nearly five months after suffering a wrist injury, produced an impressive response in the fourth set, winning it 6-1 to force a decisive fifth set.

The final set turned into a fiercely contested battle between the two players. Alcaraz even vomited into a towel during a changeover, but despite the setback, he continued to push Shelton to the limit. The two remained level through 12 games, before Shelton held his nerve in the match tiebreak, winning it 10-7 to complete a major upset.

Shelton’s victory has further raised hopes for American men’s tennis at this year’s US Open. He will face compatriot Frances Tiafoe in the semifinals. Tiafoe had earlier secured his place in the last four by defeating fellow American Alex Michelsen in five sets.

An American man last won the US Open in 2003, when Andy Roddick lifted the title at Flushing Meadows. The all-American semifinal between Shelton and Tiafoe has now revived hopes among the home crowd that the 23-year wait for another American men’s singles champion could finally come to an end.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar