NEW YORK — American tennis star Ben Shelton produced one of the biggest shocks of the US Open, knocking out defending champion Carlos Alcaraz in a dramatic five-set marathon that became the latest-finishing match in the tournament’s history.
Shelton defeated the Spanish star 6-7 (5), 6-1, 6-3, 1-6, 7-6 (10-7) after an exhausting four hours and 28 minutes, sealing the stunning victory at 3:33 a.m. in New York.
The eighth-seeded American will now face compatriot Frances Tiafoe for a place in the US Open final.
Alcaraz’s 53 Errors Prove Costly
Alcaraz entered the match having overcome concerns about a lengthy absence caused by a wrist injury, but Shelton’s relentless pressure eventually exposed cracks in the defending champion’s game.
The 23-year-old Spaniard committed an uncharacteristic 53 unforced errors during the marathon contest.
Despite showing flashes of the brilliant tennis that has made him a seven-time Grand Slam champion, Alcaraz struggled to maintain his accuracy as the match stretched deep into the night.
Shelton capitalized when it mattered most, surviving a tense deciding-set tiebreak to complete one of the biggest victories of his career.
‘The Most Enjoyable Match of My Career’
Shelton paid tribute to Alcaraz after the match, describing the Spaniard as one of the sport’s greatest champions.
The American said playing against Alcaraz was both physically demanding and exhilarating, praising the extraordinary shots his opponent produced throughout the contest.
But when the final point was decided, it was Shelton celebrating one of the defining wins of his career.
The result sends the American into an all-American semifinal against Tiafoe, with a place in the championship match on the line.
Frances Tiafoe Completes Incredible Comeback
Tiafoe booked his semifinal spot after producing his own remarkable comeback against fellow American Alex Michelsen.
The US fan favorite recovered from two sets and a break down to win 5-7, 3-6, 7-5, 6-3, 7-6 (6).
After sealing the victory with one of his trademark forehands, Tiafoe threw his racket to the court in celebration.
The victory sets up a blockbuster all-American clash with Shelton and guarantees that one American will reach the US Open final.
Hsieh Su-wei and Jelena Ostapenko Knocked Out
Taiwan’s Hsieh Su-wei and her Latvian partner Jelena Ostapenko were also eliminated from the women’s doubles competition.
The pair lost 7-5, 6-3 to Belgium’s Elise Mertens and Russia’s Diana Shnaider in the quarter-finals.
The defeat came after Hsieh and Ostapenko had been involved in a tense and controversial Round of 16 encounter against Taiwan’s Chan Hao-ching and Australia’s Maya Joint.
Their US Open campaign has now come to an end.
Sabalenka Survives Major Scare
Defending women’s champion Aryna Sabalenka was pushed to the limit but kept her title defense alive against Czech star Linda Noskova.
Sabalenka, who had not dropped a set at this year’s US Open before the match, eventually survived a three-set battle to win 7-6 (1), 3-6, 7-6 (10-7).
The victory sent Sabalenka into her sixth consecutive US Open semifinal.
The Belarusian had to withstand intense pressure from Noskova before regaining her composure and closing out the match with a second-serve ace.
Pegula Wins ‘Battle of the Billionaires’
Third-seeded Jessica Pegula also advanced after fighting back to defeat fellow American Emma Navarro 3-6, 6-4, 6-3.
The match attracted attention in the US media because both players come from billionaire families, earning it the nickname the “Battle of the Billionaires.”
Pegula, whose father Terry Pegula owns the Buffalo Bills and Buffalo Sabres, extended her head-to-head record against Navarro to 5-0.
The result also keeps Pegula in contention for the world No. 1 ranking, with three players still capable of overtaking Sabalenka during the tournament.
The Bottom Line
Carlos Alcaraz’s US Open title defense is over after Ben Shelton produced a stunning five-set upset in the latest-finishing match in tournament history.
After four hours and 28 minutes of brutal tennis, Shelton outlasted the Spanish superstar at 3:33 a.m. to reach the semifinals.
Meanwhile, Taiwan’s Hsieh Su-wei and Jelena Ostapenko were eliminated from the women’s doubles, while Aryna Sabalenka survived a major scare to keep her title defense alive.
One historic night. One defending champion eliminated. And Ben Shelton now stands just one win away from the US Open final.
WWC ONE MEDIA J.M.D
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