Shelton (8) booked an all-American semifinal with Frances Tiafoe, after defeating Alcaraz in five sets on Arthur Ashe.The Athletic Live TeamSeptember 9, 2026 at 4:05 AM EDTBen Shelton (right) beat Carlos Alcaraz in a thrilling quarterfinal. Getty ImagesShelton beats defending champion to reach semisBen Shelton (8) is through to the U.S. Open semifinals for the second time after outlasting Carlos Alcaraz (2) at Flushing Meadows. On a day of high drama that meant the quarterfinal match did not start until after 11 p.m. ET, Shelton sealed a 6-7(5), 6-1, 6-3, 1-6, 7-6(7) win by taking the fifth-set super tiebreak, dumping out the defending champion.The epic contest lasted 4 hours 28 minutes, comfortably ticking through 2:50 a.m. ET to officially become the latest finish to play in U.S. Open history. The match eventually finished at 3:33 a.m.Shelton will now meet fellow American Frances Tiafoe (11) in the last four, guaranteeing U.S. representation in this year’s men’s singles final. Watch or listen to The Tennis PodcastJoin the Discuss tab or email us: live@theathletic.comSKIP ADVERTISEMENTAdvertisementA heavyweight tennis slugfest ReutersBen Shelton and Carlos Alcaraz didn’t really play a tennis match tonight. Sure, there were rackets and balls and deuces and ads, but those were mere details. This was a heavyweight prize fight between two of the biggest stars in the sport — an American athletic acrobat of the highest order, and an artist in the sweet science of the game, capable of playing a version of tennis that no one else is familiar with.Styles make fights. So do personalities who love nothing more than performing on the biggest and brightest stages. After a day filled with drama, the two biggest ones in the tournament finally hit the first ball at 11:05 p.m. Nearly 24,000 people, in a packed Arthur Ashe Stadium, settled in to watch the fight — or at least the start of it.The two latest finishes at the U.S. Open both involved in Carlos Alcaraz:3:33 a.m. ET (Sept. 8, 2026): Ben Shelton defeats Alcaraz in the quarterfinals2:50 a.m. ET (Sept. 8, 2022): Alcaraz defeats Jannik Sinner in the quarterfinalsU.S. finalist guaranteed Getty ImagesAnd what a treat to come next for Ben Shelton (8).He will meet Frances Tiafoe (11) in an all-American U.S. Open men’s singles semifinal.Which of course, means there will also be a home favorite in the final.Maybe this is the year the U.S. men’s drought finally comes to an end.Shelton hoping for one more favorBen Shelton was pretty pumped as he celebrated with his team, and then looked happier as he got to speak to the crowd. How did he do it?💬 “It’s always about the people in the crowd, whether it’s my coaches and my team over there, all my family and friends over here, or the city of New York. They showed up tonight till 3 a.m. with USA chats until the very end, that’s what kept me going, and that’s what got me this win tonight. “I’m just hoping my best friend and my sister over there don’t have to be at work at 6 a.m. in three hours. It’d be huge from their employers to let them have the day off today!“I’m just so grateful, so blessed … sharing the court with Carlos is an absolute honour, and I cherish every moment I have out here.”At least Shelton has the day off tomorrow — or today, and as much as his recovery will allow. At time soporific, at times stratospheric … the match found its final form once the clock struck 3 a.m.SKIP ADVERTISEMENTAdvertisementA credit to the sport of tennis The Athletic / Lukas WeeseIncredible sportsmanship between Ben Shelton and Carlos Alcaraz at the net. An extended embrace and words between these two players after an epic battle. In the end, Shelton came up with some huge serves and shots in that super tiebreak. Alcaraz’s 53 unforced errors proved costly. Regardless, this will always be a historic match for its late — officially 3:33 a.m. ET.The champ leaves with classCarlos Alcaraz affords a smile. The two-time and defending U.S. Open champion is out. He congratulates Ben Shelton, grabs his stuff and leaves with a grin that says he still appreciates getting back to this point after so long out.In truth it was a remarkable effort.Game, set, match: SHELTON SEALS IT!Shelton 6-7(5), 6-1, 6-3, 1-6, 7-6(7) AlcarazThere’s no returning that. BEN SHELTON WINS!5th set: Shelton 6-6 (*9-7) AlcarazHere we go. Match point — and on Shelton’s racket too …5th set: Shelton 6-6 (*8-7) AlcarazShelton still reeling in his emotions as he hits a 146 mph serve that Alcaraz can’t get back.He then sees Alcaraz fly long off for the latest mini-break. Genuine error from the defending champion. It could be terminal.Or not! Alcaraz wins at the net. But it’s still advantage Shelton.SKIP ADVERTISEMENTAdvertisementStill tight in the tiebreak Getty Images5th set: Shelton 6-6 (*6-6) AlcarazShelton gets back on terms and Alcaraz then blows a passing look with his backhand.Even again at the changeover. Goodness me. And we’re now through 3:30 a.m. ET.Not sure this latest finish record will ever be broken!5th set: Shelton 6-6 (4-5*) AlcarazWhat a time for a 105 mph unreturnable second serve from Ben Shelton. Keeps the American within striking distance in the tiebreak. Reuters5th set: Shelton 6-6 (3-5*) AlcarazHuge depth on his forehand for Alcaraz leaves Shelton reeling, but the next one is the big one — seeing a Shelton second serve and forcing him to scoop his forehand wide. Mini-break Alcaraz.5th set: Shelton 6-6 (3-3*) AlcarazNext up an Alcaraz backhand drifts long. Shelton keeping his cool right now — which must be taking some effort in itself.The Alcaraz drags a forehand return brilliantly back into the court and it’s Shelton’s turn to net. The No. 2 seed has the mini-break back. Even at the changeover. Seven points away.5th set: Shelton 6-6 (*3-1) AlcarazFirst breakthrough for Shelton as Alcaraz nets a tired forehand.SKIP ADVERTISEMENTAdvertisementHere we go again The Athletic / Lukas WeeseA match like this, with both players showing towering highs, deserves a final set super tiebreak. Alcaraz and Shelton are the third of four quarterfinals today on Ashe to go to a super tiebreak. Phenomenal day/night/morning of tennis.Alcaraz holds — super tiebreak time!5th set: Shelton 6-6 (0-0*) AlcarazAlcaraz serve-volley for 30-0 helps take away any early tension in the service game. Heathen finds the angle with his forehand to force 40-15 — a really wonderful shot — only to double fault to get the heart pumping again.But it’s soon put to bed.After five sets and more than four hours, we go to a super tiebreak! First to 10 wins.Both players on the brink Getty Images5th set: Shelton 6-5* AlcarazThe tweeners were going in earlier. Now they don’t get over the net.Shelton powers to 40-0 and neither player is really making a returning impact now — which means they’re both tired and they both know the tiebreak is coming into view.Alcaraz picks up a point as Shelton goes long but it only delays the inevitable as Shelton takes some pace off his serve and Alcaraz blocks wide. Shelton one game away, in theory. Alcaraz serving to force the super tiebreak.5th set: Shelton *5-5 AlcarazArthur Ashe is perfectly quiet during these points now.A 19-point rally as both players try to mix things up and find a way shows these two are both firing as best they can too.Alcaraz welcomes the love hold as Shelton’s backhand return on the move swings wide.We’re now at the point where the margins are close to their finest.Are we set for another super tiebreak?