Catch up on our live coverage as the U.S. Open continued with Day 6 at Flushing Meadows.The Athletic Live TeamSeptember 6, 2026 at 9:26 AM EDTBen Shelton has reached the fourth round of the U.S. Open. Getty ImagesU.S. Open Day 6 — RecapThe third round of the U.S. Open singles is in full flow, as Ben Shelton won to round off Day 6 at Flushing Meadows.The men’s No. 8 seed wasn’t convincing but got the job done in four sets against Denis Shapovalov. Jessica Pegula (3), Aryna Sabalenka (1) and Carlos Alcaraz (2) are also through to the last 16, with Frances Tiafoe (11) impressing and Tommy Paul (20) setting up a fourth round meeting with Alcaraz.Serena and Venus Williams’ doubles return provided incredible drama as they lost in a super tiebreak, while women’s No. 9 seed Elina Svitolina suffered a shock exit. You can check out today’s results here.Watch or listen to The Tennis PodcastGet involved in the Discuss tab or email us: live@theathletic.comSKIP ADVERTISEMENTAdvertisementThe third round continuesAnd with that, it is all eyes on Saturday’s action at Flushing Meadows as the third round concludes at the 2026 U.S. Open.It is shaping up to be another excellent day of singles tennis too, which the opening matches starting at 11 a.m. ET and the action from Arthur Ashe Stadium beginning 30 minutes later.As always, we will be right here to bring you all the key news, storylines, analysis and context. See you then!Tsitsipas awaits Getty ImagesNext up for Ben Shelton come the fourth round?That will be the rejuvenated Stefanos Tsitsipas.No doubt Shelton will need to play better than tonight if he wants to go deep here in New York. The good news is, he is definitely capable of that. Getty ImagesIt’s fair to say Ben Shelton looked pretty tired after that. He soon admits in his on-court interview that this is the latest finish of his career (he thinks) and that he’s all ready to go to bed.Game, set, match: Shelton into the round of 16Shelton (8) 7-6(3), 6-7(5), 6-3, 6-4 ShapovalovThat will do it. Ben Shelton is into the U.S. Open round of 16 after defeating Denis Shapovalov in four sets after 3 hours and 23 minutes. It wasn’t easy but Shelton found a way, despite some uncharacteristic unforced errors. Shelton, a past U.S. Open semifinalist, will play Stefanos Tsitsipas in the fourth round. Shelton to serve for the matchShelton (8) 7-6(3), 6-7(5), 6-3, *5-4 ShapovalovWith Denis Shapovalov holding serve, Ben Shelton will serve for a spot in the round of 16 at the U.S. Open. SKIP ADVERTISEMENTAdvertisementShelton inching closer to victoryShelton (8) 7-6(3), 6-7(5), 6-3, *4-2 Shapovalov A big scream as Ben Shelton holds serve after an over five minute game. Denis Shapovalov is hanging around, forcing Shelton to remain sharp.The American marches closer to the win, two games away from the match. Canadian supporters pulling for Shapovalov Lukas Weese/The AthleticThese Canadian fans sitting in one of the lower corners of Arthur Ashe Stadium are pulling for Denis Shapovalov. They are in the Canada red and white leading the “Let’s go Shapo!” chants. It might not be enough as Ben Shelton (8) is still up a break. Shapovalov complains to umpire Lukas Weese/The AthleticIt wouldn’t be a Denis Shapovalov match without a heated conversation with the umpire.Fans in Arthur Ashe Stadium booed the Canadian. Shelton reaches 147 mph Shelton (8) 7-6(3), 6-7(5), 6-3, *2-0 Shapovalov Ben Shelton just clocked a 147 mph ace up the middle. Oh my GOODNESS.That caused a few fans to stand on their feet and cheer. The American consolidates the break, inching closer to victory. Shelton BREAKS to start fourth setShelton (8) 7-6(3), 6-7(5), 6-3, *1-0 ShapovalovHOW did Ben Shelton hit that return in on break point? Somehow the ball lands inside the baseline and the American gets the break of serve.Shelton does a loud “come on” to his box. Momentum is fully in favor of the No. 8 seed. SKIP ADVERTISEMENTAdvertisementShelton wins third set Lukas Weese/The AthleticShelton (8) 7-6(3), 6-7(5), 6-3, 0-0 ShapovalovBen Shelton captures the third set against Denis Shapovalov. Shelton broke the Canadian once and that was all he needed to secure the third set. The American blasted five aces and won 81 percent of his first serve points.After the set, Shelton goes over to talk to his coach and dad Brian Shelton. Would love to be a fly in that corner to hear what they were talking about.I bet it has something to do with wrapping this match up in four sets. Shelton to serve for the set Getty ImagesShelton (8) 7-6(3), 6-7(5), *5-3 ShapovalovDenis Shapovalov holds to stay alive in the set. Ben Shelton will serve for the third.Remember that Shapovalov broke Shelton twice in the second while the American was serving for the set. Will it happen again? Shelton remains up a breakShelton (8) 7-6(3), 6-7(5), 4-1* Shapovalov Another strong serving set so far from Ben Shelton. He’s missed just three first serves and won all but one first serve points. Denis Shapovalov once again is splattering balls all over the court and Shelton is capitalizing. The American is two games away from a two sets to one lead. Shelton breaks to start third set Getty ImagesShelton (8) 7-6(3), 6-7(5), *2-0 ShapovalovBen Shelton gets the first break of the third set. He gets pulled out wide on break point before unleashing a powerful up the line forehand that Denis Shapovalov cannot handle. “Here we go Ben, here we go!” clapping chants are rang throughout Arthur Ashe Stadium. Let’s see if Shelton can make quick work of this third set. Shapovalov takes second setShelton (8) 7-6(3), 6-7(5), 0-0 Shapovalov Well, that was certainly...a tiebreak! Very uncharacteristic unforced errors from both Denis Shapovalov and Ben Shelton, in particular with the forehand. Somehow, Shapovalov steals the second set in the tiebreak. This match rolls on, approaching 1 a.m. ET. Wild stuff. SKIP ADVERTISEMENTAdvertisementBack and forth they go. Ben Shelton (8) and Denis Shapovalov deadlocked at four apiece in the tiebreak.That was Shelton’s 14th unforced error this set. Shapovalov breaks for second set tiebreak Getty ImagesShelton (8) 7-6(3), 6-6* ShapovalovWould you look at that. Denis Shapovalov stays alive in this set, breaking Ben Shelton’s serve.The break barrage and underwhelming play has returned from both players when they are serving. This second set will be decided in a tiebreak.Shelton has a 25-12 record in tiebreaks in 2026 while Shapovalov is 6-3.Yeah, that was some shot.Shelton breaks back with emphatic volley winnerShelton (8) 7-6(3), *6-5 Shapovalov It seemed like things were falling a part for Ben Shelton. But the American shows tremendous resilience to break Denis Shapovalov back the very next game after getting broken. On break point, it was a lengthy rally between both players. Shelton came forward before Shapovalov attempted a cross-court passing shot. An incredible forehand volley winner from Shelton gives him the break and the crowd erupts. Shelton puts his finger on his ear asking the fans to cheer louder. He will serve for the second set once again!