Shelton ends Alcaraz’s title reign in late-night marathon, will face Tiafoe in US Open semis

Ben Shelton ended Carlos Alcaraz's title reign in the latest-finishing match in US Open history, pulling out a 6-7 (5), 6-1, 6-3, 1-6, 7-6 (10-7) victory in a marathon tussle that ended at 3:33 a.m. Open history, pulling out the victory in a marathon tussle that ended at 3:33 a.m. Ben Shelton stunned holder Carlos Alcaraz in an epic US Open quarter-final that ended at 3:34am Wednesday, breaking the record for the latest finish in Flushing Meadows history.

The big-hitting Shelton won 6-7 (5/7), 6-1, 6-3, 1-6, 7-6 (10/7) on Arthur Ashe stadium in a 4hr 28min classic, ending the Spaniard’s hopes of retaining his title in his first tournament back after a four-month injury absence. On a marathon day that stretched well into the early hours, two-time defending champion Aryna Sabalenka earlier beat Wimbledon winner Linda Noskova 7-6 (7/1), 3-6, 7-6 (10/7) in another match for the ages. The Belarusian will now face Jessica Pegula, who had to come from a set down to beat fellow American Emma Navarro 3-6, 6-4, 6-3, for a place in the final.

Shelton will have an all-American last-four meeting with Frances Tiafoe, who came from two sets down to beat compatriot Alex Michelsen 5-7, 3-6, 7-5, 6-3, 7-6 (10/6) in another match that went the full distance. “It’s incredible,” said Shelton as he thanked the New York crowd for staying so late. “I always say that this is the greatest sports city in the world.

I say that this is the greatest stadium in the world. “To be here in front of you guys tonight is an absolute honor. “Sharing the court with Carlos is an absolute honor, and I cherish every moment that I have out here.” Sabalenka had to dig deep against her 21-year-old Czech opponent.

“What a battle,” Sabalenka told the crowd. “I was pushing myself to the limit, especially in the third set. “I honestly thought that was it, the match was over, and that’s what helped me to feel loose and go for my shots,” she added after trailing 4-2 in the third set on the back of two double faults.

Sabalenka beat Pegula in the 2024 US Open final – still the American’s only appearance in a Grand Slam title match – and beat her again last year in the semi-finals. ‘Fighting demons’ Sabalenka looked headed for another Grand Slam disappointment in a season in which she has so far been unable to add to her stash of four major titles. Clearly frustrated, she nevertheless regrouped and broke Noskova to love to pull level at 4-4.