Carlos Alcaraz’s US Open 2026 title defense came to a dramatic end after American Ben Shelton defeated the defending champion in a thrilling five-set quarterfinal at Arthur Ashe Stadium.
Shelton prevailed 6-7(5), 6-1, 6-3, 1-6, 7-6(10-7) after a marathon contest lasting four hours and 28 minutes. The match finished at around 3:33 a.m. local time, making it the latest-finishing match in US Open history. Alcaraz started strongly by taking the opening set in a tense tiebreak. However, Shelton responded aggressively, using his powerful serve and attacking game to take control of the second and third sets.
Alcaraz Fights Back but Shelton Holds His Nerve
HOW!?
— US Open Tennis (@usopen) September 9, 2026
This match is from another dimension! pic.twitter.com/GVedyHxdy2
The Spaniard refused to surrender and produced a strong response in the fourth set, breaking Shelton three times to force a deciding set. The final set turned into a tense battle, with neither player able to establish a decisive advantage.
Alcaraz also appeared to struggle physically during the match, including an episode of vomiting during a changeover. Despite those difficulties, he continued competing and pushed the contest into a deciding match tiebreak. Shelton maintained his composure when it mattered most. He sealed the victory 10-7 in the final tiebreak, recording one of the biggest wins of his career and ending Alcaraz’s 18-match Grand Slam winning streak.
Shelton Advances to All-American Semifinal
Ben Shelton scores the biggest win of his career and a spot in the US Open semifinals! pic.twitter.com/2PCndRLcpL
— US Open Tennis (@usopen) September 9, 2026
The victory sends Shelton into the US Open semifinals, where he will face fellow American Frances Tiafoe. Tiafoe also reached the last four after overcoming Alex Michelsen in a five-set quarterfinal.
The result guarantees an American player a place in the men’s singles final and strengthens hopes of the United States ending its long wait for a men’s Grand Slam champion. Andy Roddick was the last American man to win a major singles title, at the 2003 US Open. For Alcaraz, the defeat ends his bid to defend his US Open crown. Despite the setback, his fight through a physically demanding contest highlighted the determination that has made him one of the leading players in men’s tennis.