American Ben Shelton advanced to the U.S. Open semifinals after a grueling five-set victory over Carlos Alcaraz. The match concluded at 3:33 a.m. ET at New York's Arthur Ashe Stadium, ending the Spaniard's dominant Grand Slam winning streak.
A 146-mph ace and a 3:33 a.m. finish
The quarterfinal clash between Ben Shelton and Carlos Alcaraz was a physical war of attrition that lasted 4 hours and 28 minutes. According to the report, Ben Shelton secured the win with a final scoreline of 6-7(5), 6-1, 6-3, 1-6, 7-6(10-7). The match was defined by high-velocity play, most notably a 146-mph ace delivered by Ben Shelton that left Carlos Alcaraz unable to react.
The timing of the match highlighted the unique, often exhausting nature of the U.S. Open's night sessions. As the clock ticked past 3:00 a.m., the atmosphere at Arthur Ashe Stadium remained electric, with the New York crowd fueling Ben Shelton's resilience.. This late-night drama has become a signature of the tournament, testing the mental and physical limits of the world's top athletes.
The end of Carlos Alcaraz's 18-match Grand Slam run
For Carlos Alcaraz, the loss was more than just a single match defeat ; it snapped an 18-match winning streak in Grand Slam tournaments. As the source reported, the Spanish star was battling significant physical distress, admitting that he vomited before the final set of the match. this struggle was compounded by a recent wrist injury that had sidelined Carlos Alcaraz from top-level competition shortly before the tournament.
Despite the loss, Carlos Alcaraz emphasized the importance of health and participation, stating that his goal was to leave the tournament having played matches while staying healthy. The defeat underscores the volaitlity of the men's draw, where even the most dominant champions can be vulnerable when recovering from injury and facing an inspired opponent in a high-pressure environment.
The first all-American final prospect since Andy Roddick's 2003 title
Ben Shelton's victory creates a historic opportunity for United States tennis . Because Frances Tiafoe also advanced to the semifinals—after defeating Alex Michelsen in a match that ended at 6:12 a.m.—the tournament is now poised for a potential all-American final. This scenario would mark the first time since Andy Roddick won his last Grand Slam title in 2003 that two American men have competed for the trophy in the final round.
This surge in American talent suggests a shifting tide in the sport. For two decades, the men's game has been dominated by European and Spanish players, but the simultaneous rise of Ben Shelton and Frances Tiafoe signals a possible rejuvenation of the U.S. presence on the global stage. The upcoming semifinal between Ben Shelton and Frances Tiafoe will determine which American carries the torch into the final.
Alcaraz's wrist health and the cost of the night session
While the result is clear, several questions remain regarding the long-term health of Carlos Alcaraz. The report mentions a wrist injury and a bout of illness during the match, but it remains unclear if these issues were temporary reactions to the grueling schedule or signs of a more chronic problem that could affect the Spaniard's upcoming season.
Furthermore, the extreme timing of these matches—with some ending as late as 6:12 a.m.—raises questions about player recovery and the fairness of the scheduling.. While the crowd loves the late-night energy,the physical toll on athletes like Carlos Alcaraz and Frances Tiafoe is immense, leaving analysts to wonder if the U.S. Open's scheduling priorities are beginning to outweigh athlete welfare.
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