The US Open title defence of Spanish world number three Carlos Alcaraz has reached an end in a dramatic five-set quarter-final defeat to Ben Shelton that ended at 03:34 New York time, the latest finish in the tournament’s history.
A large crowd stayed captivated deep into the night as a modern classic unfolded over an unpredictable four hours and 28 minutes on Arthur Ashe Stadium.
The match did not serve off until about 11pm in New York, after the start of the night session was delayed by Tuesday’s earlier matches.
At its conclusion, Shelton savoured in a standing ovation from an excited audience after completing a 6-7 (5-7) 6-1 6-3 1-6 7-6 (10-7) victory that will live long in the memory of all those present.
“It is incredible, I always say that this is the greatest stadium in the world,” the 23-year-old said.
“I’m just hoping my best friend and sister don’t have to be at work at 6am. It would be huge from their employers to let them have the day off.”
This was the biggest and certainly most significant victoryof Shelton’s career.
Shelton had not defeated a top-three player in 17 attempts and had lost each of his three previous matches against Alcaraz.
It also raised home hopes of a first American men’s singles champion in New York for 23 years.
Shelton was less than a year old when Andy Roddick won the US Open in 2003 – but an American finalist is guaranteed when he and Frances Tiafoe clash in the semi-finals on Friday.
Spanish star Alcaraz was competing at his first tournament since a lengthy injury lay-off, but that does not take anything away from Shelton, who conjured a phenomenal performance.
Alcaraz, who has won seven Grand slam titles, had exceeded expectations on his return after more than four months out with a wrist injury, including sweeping past 20th seed Tommy Paul to go to the last eight.
But Alcaraz’s lack of match fitness seemed to finally catch up with him in a high-octane clash filled with breathless exchanges and astounding displays of athleticism.
Even when it seemed Alcaraz had emptied the tank, the two-time winner not only forced a deciding set but would go the distance as the players engaged in a tense 10-point match tie-break that provided a fitting end to the encounter.
After dismissing Alcaraz, Shelton is now the second-highest ranked player left in the draw after world number two Alexander Zverev.
“For me, it’s always about the people in the crowd – whether it’s my coaches and my team, all of my family and friends,” Shelton said.
“The city of New York that showed up tonight until 3am, that’s what kept me going.”
