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Ben Shelton defeated defending champion Carlos Alcaraz in a dramatic U.S. Open quarterfinal that finished at 3:34 a.m. local time (7:34 a.m. GMT) on Wednesday, setting a new record for the latest finish in the history of Flushing Meadows, the venue that hosts the tournament.
The big-serving American prevailed 6-7 (5/7), 6-1, 6-3, 1-6, 7-6 (10/7) on Arthur Ashe Stadium. The four-hour, 28-minute thriller shattered Alcaraz's hopes of retaining his crown in what was his first tournament back from a four-month injury layoff.
Earlier in a marathon day of tennis, two-time defending champion Aryna Sabalenka battled past Wimbledon winner Linda Noskova 7-6 (7/1), 3-6, 7-6 (10/7) in another classic encounter.
The Belarusian advances to face Jessica Pegula for a spot in the final, after the American rallied from a set down to defeat compatriot Emma Navarro 3-6, 6-4, 6-3.
Shelton will face Frances Tiafoe in an all-American semifinal after Tiafoe rallied from two sets down to edge compatriot Alex Michelsen 5-7, 3-6, 7-5, 6-3, 7-6 (10/6) in yet another marathon encounter.
The matchup guarantees an American man will reach the final, keeping hopes alive to end a title drought stretching back to Andy Roddick's 2003 triumph. "It's incredible," Shelton said, thanking the dedicated New York crowd for staying into the early morning hours.
"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," he stated.
Alcaraz was disappointed to go out but also happy with his performance following the long injury layoff. "I'm just proud of myself, about how I fought," he said, calling his opponent "a beast" physically.
"It was close. It was close. So I'm just not going to be disappointed about not getting the win at the end. Shelton is an unbelievable player, powerful. He just managed how to play really, really well in every situation, so credit to him," the defeated player added.
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