Shelton ends Alcaraz’s US Open title defence in five-set thriller

Ben Shelton has reached the US Open semi-finals after defeating defending champion Carlos Alcaraz in a five-set quarter-final that lasted four hours and 31 minutes.

The American world No. 9 prevailed 6-7, 6-1, 6-3, 1-6, 7-6 in a match that ended at 3:35am ET. Yahoo Sports reported the finish as the latest in US Open history.

Alcaraz took the opening set in a deciding tie-break, but Shelton responded by winning the next two sets to move within one of a major upset. The Spaniard forced a fifth set by taking the fourth 6-1.

Shelton held his nerve in the deciding tie-break, recovering from a 5-3 deficit to win 10-7. He sealed the result with an ace after moving ahead 7-6.

The victory gives Shelton his third Grand Slam semi-final and his second at the US Open, following his run to the final four in 2023. Alcaraz had recently returned from a wrist injury, according to the report.

Shelton will face fellow American Frances Tiafoe in the semi-finals. Tiafoe reached the stage after defeating Alex Michelsen in five sets.