Ben Shelton reaches US Open semi-finals after historic victory over Carlos Alcaraz
Ben Shelton made headlines as he triumphed over defending champion Carlos Alcaraz in a thrilling quarter-final match at the US Open, finishing after 3am local time. The American claimed victory with a final score of 6-7 (5), 6-1, 6-3, 1-6, 7-6 (10-7), marking one of the most remarkable upsets of the tournament, reports BritPanorama.
The match, lasting four hours and 28 minutes, not only showcased Shelton’s resilience but also set a new record for the latest finish in US Open history. The home crowd played a pivotal role in supporting Shelton, whose performance was bolstered by the energetic atmosphere as fans chanted “USA” throughout the contest.
“For me, it is always about the people in the crowd,” Shelton remarked. He credited the spectators, including his family and friends, for their encouragement, stating that their presence until the early hours was a significant factor in his success. After losing the first set in a tight tie-break, Shelton bounced back decisively, claiming the second and third sets with impressive ease, only to be pushed to a final set by Alcaraz, who rallied to force a tie-break at the end.
Ultimately, Shelton maintained his composure, securing victory in the tie-breaker with a score of 10-7. His win terminated Alcaraz’s 18-match winning streak in Grand Slam tournaments. This marks a remarkable turnaround for Shelton, who extended his excellent performance this season, previously clinching the title at the Masters 1000 event in Montreal.
Looking back, Alcaraz had entered the tournament seeking his eighth Grand Slam title and was aiming to become the first man since Roger Federer to defend the US Open title. After recovering from a four-month injury lay-off, Alcaraz had shown considerable promise throughout the tournament but could not find a way past Shelton’s resurgence.
Following this victory, Shelton is now poised to face fellow American Frances Tiafoe in the semi-finals, with a chance to reach his first Grand Slam final. Their rivalry stands at 3-1 in Shelton’s favour, although both have claimed wins at Flushing Meadows.
This match serves as a vivid reminder of the exciting dynamics of tennis where upsets are always within reach, especially in the electrifying atmosphere of Grand Slam events. As Shelton continues his quest for the title, the resilience and passion displayed may well resonate deeply within the fabric of this year’s tournament.
