Shock In New York: Shelton Knocks Alcaraz Out Of US Open

Carlos Alcaraz’s US Open title defence has come to a stunning end after Ben Shelton defeated the Spaniard in an epic five-set quarter-final at Arthur Ashe Stadium.

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The American eighth seed pulled off the biggest victory of his career, beating Alcaraz 6-7(5), 6-1, 6-3, 1-6, 7-6(7) in a pulsating encounter that lasted four hours and 28 minutes.

The match finally ended at 03:33 in New York, making it the latest finish in US Open history.

Alcaraz had arrived at Flushing Meadows as the defending champion and was making his return to competitive tennis following four-and-a-half months on the sidelines with a right wrist injury.

Despite the lengthy absence, the seven-time Grand Slam champion had looked increasingly dangerous as the tournament progressed. He dropped just one set on his way to the quarter-finals and comfortably dispatched Tommy Paul 6-4, 6-3, 6-4 in the fourth round.

Shelton, however, proved to be a completely different challenge.

Alcaraz edged a tight opening set in a tiebreak, but the American responded spectacularly. Shelton reeled off nine consecutive games during a dominant spell as he took the second set 6-1 and the third 6-3 to move within one set of a famous upset.

Just when it looked as though Alcaraz was heading out, the Spaniard demonstrated the resilience that has already made him one of the defining players of his generation.

He stormed through the fourth set 6-1 to force a decider.

Neither player was willing to give an inch in the fifth, sending the contest into a deciding 10-point tiebreak. Alcaraz moved 5-3 ahead, but Shelton refused to buckle under the pressure.

The American fought his way back before sealing a sensational victory with a 146mph ace.

The defeat brought an end to Alcaraz’s 18-match winning streak at Grand Slam tournaments and denied him the opportunity to successfully defend the title he won in New York last year.

Despite the disappointment, Alcaraz was positive about his comeback after the match and reserved special praise for his opponent.

“He is a beast,” Alcaraz said of Shelton, highlighting the American’s power and particularly his serve.

The Spaniard also admitted he had struggled physically after the third set but was proud of the way he fought back, stressing that one of his main objectives in New York had been to return to Grand Slam competition and emerge healthy.

For Shelton, meanwhile, the victory represents a significant breakthrough.

It was his first career win over a top-three opponent, and it sends him into the US Open semi-finals, where he will face fellow American Frances Tiafoe.

One American is therefore guaranteed a place in Sunday’s men’s final as the United States continues its search for a first home men’s singles champion at a Grand Slam since Andy Roddick won the US Open in 2003.

For Alcaraz, there will be disappointment that his title defence has ended earlier than expected.

But after almost five months away from competitive tennis, reaching the quarter-finals and pushing an inspired Shelton to the limit suggests it may not be long before the Spaniard is challenging for major silverware again.