Ben Shelton defeats Carlos Alcaraz to reach US Open semifinals

American tennis player Ben Shelton secured a spot in the US Open semifinals on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, after defeating Carlos Alcaraz in a marathon five-set match. The encounter, which lasted four hours and 31 minutes, ended with a score of 6-7, 6-1, 6-3, 1-6, 7-6 (10-7). The match concluded at 3:33 a.m. local time, setting a new record for the latest finish in the history of the tournament, surpassing the previous record held by the 2022 quarterfinal between Sinner and Alcaraz.

The 23-year-old Shelton, currently ranked No. 9 globally, overcame the three-time tournament champion in a grueling battle of endurance. This victory marks the second time in his career that he has reached the final four of the US Open. Shelton is now set to face his compatriot Frances Tiafoe in the semifinal round.

This outcome carries significant historical weight for American tennis, as the United States seeks its first home-grown US Open men's champion since Andy Roddick in 2003. With both Shelton and Tiafoe advancing to the semifinals, the probability of an American victory at the Grand Slam has reached its highest point in two decades.