Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz recovers after falling during the men’s singles quarter-final tennis match against USA’s Ben Shelton on day ten of the US Open tennis tournament at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York City on September 9, 2026. (Photo by Leonardo MUNOZ / AFP)
Ben Shelton stunned holder Carlos Alcaraz in an epic US Open quarter-final that ended at 3:34 am 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.
