Ben Shelton ends Alcaraz’s US Open title defence in 4hr 28min thriller

Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz recovers after falling during the men’s singles quarter-final tennis match against USA’s Ben Shelton on day ten of the US Open tennis tournament at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York City on September 9, 2026. (Photo by Leonardo MUNOZ / AFP)

Ben Shelton stunned holder Carlos Alcaraz in an epic US Open quarter-final that ended at 3:34 am Wednesday, breaking the record for the latest finish in Flushing Meadows history.

The big-hitting Shelton won 6-7 (5/7), 6-1, 6-3, 1-6, 7-6 (10/7) on Arthur Ashe stadium in a 4hr 28min classic, ending the Spaniard’s hopes of retaining his title in his first tournament back after a four-month injury absence.

On a marathon day that stretched well into the early hours, two-time defending champion Aryna Sabalenka earlier beat Wimbledon winner Linda Noskova 7-6 (7/1), 3-6, 7-6 (10/7) in another match for the ages.

The Belarusian will now face Jessica Pegula, who had to come from a set down to beat fellow American Emma Navarro 3-6, 6-4, 6-3, for a place in the final.

Shelton will have an all-American last-four meeting with Frances Tiafoe, who came from two sets down to beat compatriot Alex Michelsen 5-7, 3-6, 7-5, 6-3, 7-6 (10/6) in another match that went the full distance.

“It’s incredible,” said Shelton as he thanked the New York crowd for staying so late.

“I always say that this is the greatest sports city in the world. I say that this is the greatest stadium in the world.

“To be here in front of you guys tonight is an absolute honor.

“Sharing the court with Carlos is an absolute honor, and I cherish every moment that I have out here.”

Sabalenka had to dig deep against her 21-year-old Czech opponent.

“What a battle,” Sabalenka told the crowd. “I was pushing myself to the limit, especially in the third set.

“I honestly thought that was it, the match was over, and that’s what helped me to feel loose and go for my shots,” she added after trailing 4-2 in the third set on the back of two double faults.

Sabalenka beat Pegula in the 2024 US Open final — still the American’s only appearance in a Grand Slam title match — and beat her again last year in the semi-finals.