Ben Shelton stuns Carlos Alcaraz to reach US Open semi-finals
Ben Shelton produced a remarkable performance to defeat defending champion Carlos Alcaraz in a thrilling five-set quarter-final at the US Open, showcasing intelligent returning and composure under pressure, reports BritPanorama.
Shelton prevailed with a score of 6-7 (5), 6-1, 6-3, 1-6, 7-6 (10-7), advancing to face fellow American Frances Tiafoe in the semi-finals. This marked a significant breakthrough for the 23-year-old, who had previously lost all three of his encounters with Alcaraz, managing a mere single set in those contests.
Following the hard-fought victory, Shelton detailed how a strategic approach to returning serve kept the Spaniard under relentless pressure. “I mean, I just returned really well,” he stated. “I thought I was smart with how I went about my return games. I thought I made him play a lot.”
Anchoring his performance was Shelton’s ability to maintain competitiveness throughout the match. After narrowly losing the first set, he rebounded to take a two sets to one lead before Alcaraz forced a decisive fifth set. The American’s solid baseline play allowed him to exploit moments when Alcaraz faltered on serve.
The final-set tie-break saw Shelton keep his nerve, culminating in an elated celebration that reflected the enormity of his victory. In his post-match comments, however, he adopted a composed tone, acknowledging the match’s intensity. “Yeah, I’m tired,” he remarked. “You know, that was a war, an epic match. I mean, so physical, and, yeah, Carlos is one of the greatest champions in our sport already, at 23 years old.”
Despite his previous defeats to Alcaraz at the 2023 Canadian Open and the 2025 French Open, Shelton proved he can compete with the best, finally showcasing his potential on a big stage. As the focus now shifts to his upcoming semi-final against Tiafoe, it’s evident that Shelton has solidified his status as a formidable contender in the tournament.
Even as he prepares for his next challenge, the memories of a battle well-fought against Alcaraz will linger; a vivid reminder of the razor-thin margins that define sport at this level, and how, in moments of triumph, a young player’s resolve can truly shine.
