The No. 8 seed outlasted the defending champion in a historic five-set epic that concluded at 3:33 a.m. ET, ending Alcaraz's Grand Slam finals streak.

In a truly unforgettable clash at the 2026 US Open, American rising star Ben Shelton delivered the performance of his young career, defeating defending champion and No. 2 seed Carlos Alcaraz in a gripping five-set quarterfinal. The monumental victory, with a final score of 6-7, 6-1, 6-3, 1-6, 7-6, unfolded over hours, culminating in the latest finish ever recorded at the US Open.

The electrifying match captivated fans who stayed glued to Arthur Ashe Stadium seats and televisions worldwide, stretching well into the early morning hours in New York. Shelton's triumph not only marks his first-ever win against a top-five seed in a Grand Slam but also secures his place in an all-American semifinal showdown.

This incredible result ends several impressive streaks for Alcaraz, including his run of four consecutive Grand Slam finals appearances. Shelton will now face fellow American Frances Tiafoe, guaranteeing an American man will play for the title, aiming to break a significant drought in men's tennis, according to reporting by CBS Sports - Headlines.

A Battle Until Dawn: The Historic Marathon Match

The quarterfinal between Ben Shelton and Carlos Alcaraz proved to be an instant classic, concluding at an astonishing 3:33 a.m. ET. This late finish made it the latest match in the history of the US Open, a testament to the relentless competition between the two tennis titans. The No. 8 seed Shelton fought off the formidable challenge from Alcaraz, who came into the match with an impressive 15-1 record in five-setters.

Alcaraz, the reigning US Open champion, also saw his 13-match winning streak against American players and a 14-match streak against left-handers come to a dramatic halt. The first set showcased intense rallies and alternating service holds, with Alcaraz eventually drawing first blood with a late break. However, Shelton immediately broke back, forcing a tiebreak which Alcaraz ultimately won 7-5, but the American's composure hinted at the battle to come.

Shelton's Dominance and Alcaraz's Fightback

Following a narrow first-set loss, Ben Shelton responded emphatically in the second set, overwhelming Alcaraz with a commanding 6-1 victory. Shelton showcased a balanced yet aggressive style, controlling points, moving his opponent across the court, and demonstrating exceptional defensive scrambling. This dominant performance continued into the third set, which Shelton secured 6-3, taking a significant 2-1 lead in the match.

Shelton's powerful serves, precise groundstrokes, and clinical ball placement put Alcaraz on the brink of his earliest Grand Slam exit since the 2025 Australian Open. However, the Spaniard, a winner of three of his last four Grand Slam starts, demonstrated his champion's resolve in the fourth set. Alcaraz intensified his pressure, unleashed powerful groundstrokes, and dug out incredible defensive points, winning the set 6-1 and pushing the match to a decisive fifth set.

Fifth Set Drama: Breaking Streaks and Sealing Victory

The final set was a masterclass in tension, with both players holding serve through all 12 games. The drama peaked when Carlos Alcaraz heroically saved three break points in the eighth game, preventing Shelton from gaining a crucial advantage. With no service breaks occurring, the match fittingly advanced to a 10-point match tiebreak, the third such tiebreak seen at Arthur Ashe Stadium that day.

In the tiebreak, mini-breaks were exchanged, highlighting the razor-thin margins. Shelton initially gained an advantage, only for Alcaraz to recover. However, at 7-6, Shelton blasted a 146 mph ace, creating a match point opportunity. He sealed his career-defining win with another scorching 146 mph ace, delivered out wide, at 3:33 a.m. ET, securing his spot in his second US Open semifinal.

An All-American Semifinal and a Title Drought

Ben Shelton's spectacular victory sets up an exciting all-American semifinal clash against the No. 11 seed Frances Tiafoe. This guarantees that at least one American man will compete for the 2026 US Open title, providing a significant opportunity to end a long-standing drought in men's Grand Slam tennis. The last American male to lift a Grand Slam trophy was Andy Roddick at the 2003 US Open, a gap of 23 years.

Tiafoe also earned his semifinal berth in a grueling five-set match, coming back from two sets down to defeat Alex Michelsen. Should the all-American semifinal match even approach the level of entertainment and intensity seen in both Shelton's and Tiafoe's quarterfinal victories, tennis fans are in for an absolute treat.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who did Ben Shelton beat in the 2026 US Open quarterfinals?

Ben Shelton defeated defending champion and No. 2 seed Carlos Alcaraz in a thrilling five-set match in the 2026 US Open quarterfinals.

What was the final score of the Ben Shelton vs. Carlos Alcaraz match?

The final score was 6-7, 6-1, 6-3, 1-6, 7-6 in favor of Ben Shelton, after a decisive fifth-set tiebreak.

What time did the Ben Shelton vs. Carlos Alcaraz match conclude?

The epic quarterfinal match between Shelton and Alcaraz concluded at 3:33 a.m. ET, making it the latest finish in US Open history.

Who will Ben Shelton face in the 2026 US Open semifinals?

Ben Shelton is set to face fellow American and No. 11 seed Frances Tiafoe in an all-American semifinal at the 2026 US Open.

What significant streaks did Carlos Alcaraz lose against Ben Shelton?

Carlos Alcaraz's loss to Ben Shelton ended his streak of four consecutive Grand Slam finals appearances, his 15-1 record in five-set matches, and his winning streaks against American and left-handed opponents.