The quarter-final clash pushed past 3:30 AM, breaking Alcaraz's own previous record, to become the US Open's latest-ever match.
A new chapter was etched into the annals of the US Open during the 2026 tournament when tennis stars Carlos Alcaraz and Ben Shelton battled deep into the night. Their quarter-final encounter stretched into the early hours of Wednesday morning in New York, setting a brand new record for the latest finish in the event's history.
The epic showdown saw the eighth seed, Ben Shelton, claim a thrilling victory over defending champion Carlos Alcaraz with a final score of 6-7 (5-7), 6-1, 6-3, 1-6, 7-6 (10-7). The clock registered 3:33 AM when Shelton secured his first-ever win against Alcaraz, moving on to face Frances Tiafoe in the semi-finals.
This historic late finish didn't happen in isolation; it was the culmination of an extraordinarily long day on Arthur Ashe Stadium, where several preceding matches also went the distance. The packed schedule ultimately delayed the start of the highly anticipated Alcaraz-Shelton clash, as reported by Tennis365.
A Night for the Record Books at Flushing Meadows
The quarter-final between Carlos Alcaraz and Ben Shelton officially established a new US Open record for the latest match finish. The previous benchmark was held by Alcaraz himself, alongside Jannik Sinner, whose memorable 2022 quarter-final concluded at 2:50 AM. The 2026 match surpassed that record midway through its fifth set, as the time ticked past 2:51 AM, eventually extending past 3 AM before its dramatic conclusion.
This new record pushes the Alcaraz-Sinner 2:50 AM finish into second place among the latest US Open matches. Additionally, an earlier late finish from 2024, when Alexander Zverev and Tomas Etcheverry played until 2:35 AM, now drops to third on the all-time list, highlighting a trend of increasingly late-night Grand Slam tennis.
The Long Road to Midnight: How the Day Unfolded
The stage for the record-breaking late finish was set by a series of extended matches earlier in the day on Arthur Ashe Stadium. The action kicked off with Aryna Sabalenka and Linda Noskova's two-hour and 22-minute contest. This was followed by Frances Tiafoe and Alex Michelsen engaging in a marathon four-hour and 39-minute battle. Jessica Pegula and Emma Navarro then added another two hours and 21 minutes to the day's total.
These prolonged encounters meant the quarter-final featuring Alcaraz and Shelton couldn't begin until 23:05 (11:05 PM) at Flushing Meadows. While some seats became empty as the night wore on, the dedicated fans who remained were treated to a thrilling contest that lasted for more than four hours, delivering high-stakes tennis worthy of the late hour.
Beyond the US Open: Grand Slam's Latest Finishes
While Alcaraz and Shelton now hold the US Open record, the overall Grand Slam record for the latest finish belongs to another epic. Lleyton Hewitt and Marcos Baghdatis played until 4:38 AM at the 2008 Australian Open in Melbourne Park. That historic clash remains the latest match ever completed at a major tournament.
Another notable late finish at the season-opening Grand Slam occurred in 2023, when Andy Murray and Thanasi Kokkinakis battled until 4:05 AM, also at the Australian Open. Beyond Grand Slams, the overall record in men's tennis for the latest finish is held by Alexander Zverev and Jenson Brooksby, who competed until 4:55 AM during the 2022 Mexican Open in Acapulco.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the latest US Open match on record?
The latest US Open match on record is the 2026 quarter-final between Carlos Alcaraz and Ben Shelton, which concluded at 3:33 AM on a Wednesday morning in New York.
Who holds the record for the latest Grand Slam finish?
The record for the latest match finish at any Grand Slam belongs to Lleyton Hewitt and Marcos Baghdatis, who played until 4:38 AM at the 2008 Australian Open.
How did the Ben Shelton vs. Carlos Alcaraz match end?
Ben Shelton defeated Carlos Alcaraz in their 2026 US Open quarter-final match with a score of 6-7 (5-7), 6-1, 6-3, 1-6, 7-6 (10-7), securing his first career victory over Alcaraz.
What time did Carlos Alcaraz and Ben Shelton start their US Open match?
The record-breaking quarter-final match between Carlos Alcaraz and Ben Shelton at the 2026 US Open only got underway at 23:05 (11:05 PM) due to an extended schedule of earlier matches.