On September 9, 2026, Ben Shelton ended Carlos Alcaraz’s successful run in the U.S. Open in a historic late-night match. Shelton emerged victorious with scores of 6-7 (5), 6-1, 6-3, 1-6, 7-6 (10-7), concluding at 3:33 a.m. on Wednesday. The match lasted 4 hours and 28 minutes, marking the latest finish in U.S. Open history.

Alcaraz’s impressive 18-match winning streak in Grand Slam events came to an end. Following his triumph, Shelton is set to face the No. 11 seed, Frances Tiafoe, who secured his place in the semifinals by defeating Alex Michelsen 5-7, 3-6, 7-5, 6-3, 7-6 (10-6) on Tuesday.

The USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York City witnessed this electrifying quarter-final performance from Shelton, which guarantees the U.S. representation in Sunday’s final. The country aims for its first men’s major title since Andy Roddick’s victory in 2003.

“It’s incredible,” Shelton expressed, “I always say this is the greatest sports city in the world, and this is the greatest stadium in the world.” He added a humorous note, hoping his loved ones wouldn’t have to be at work soon after the late match.

Previously, Alcaraz had played the former latest finishing match at the U.S. Open, ending at 2:50 a.m. in 2022, which he had won on his way to his inaugural Grand Slam title at the age of 19. Despite the late hour, a large crowd remained, passionately supporting Shelton with chants of “USA! USA!”

Three of the four singles quarterfinals on this marathon day proceeded to match tiebreakers. Aryna Sabalenka narrowly defeated Linda Noskova, sustaining her quest for a third consecutive U.S. Open title.

Instead of Alcaraz advancing, Shelton reached his third major semifinal, having reached similar stages in the 2023 U.S. Open and 2025 Australian Open. Shelton dominated by capturing nine consecutive games from early in the second set, securing a 3-0 advantage in the third. However, Alcaraz fought back in his first tournament since April, following a right wrist injury.

Despite vomiting before the final set, Alcaraz rallied, gaining a 5-3 lead in the tiebreaker. Yet, Shelton’s formidable serves, surpassing 140 mph, and Alcaraz’s errors allowed Shelton to complete a dramatic comeback. A 146 mph serve concluded the match in favor of Shelton.

Alcaraz now holds a 15-2 record in five-set matches. Earlier in the year, he captured his seventh Grand Slam title at the Australian Open prior to his injury.