Carlos Alcaraz tumbled out of the U.S. Open quarter-finals at 3:34 a.m. Wednesday (September 9, 2026) local time, falling to Ben Shelton in an epic five-set thriller that broke the record for the latest finish ever at Flushing Meadows.The big-hitting American claimed his first career win over Alcaraz, 6-7 (5/7), 6-1, 6-3, 1-6, 7-6 (10/7), ending the Spaniard’s hopes of retaining his title in his first tournament back after a four-month injury absence.It took a brutal four hours and 28 minutes, finishing long past the previous latest finish in New York of 2:50 a.m., Alcaraz’s five-set quarter-final win over Jannik Sinner in 2022.
Carlos Alcaraz of Spain reacts against Ben Shelton of the United States during their men's singles quarterfinal match
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Getty Images via AFP
Shelton matched his semi-final run at the U.S. Open three years ago and booked an all-American semi-final against Frances Tiafoe, who came back from two sets down to beat Alex Michelsen 5-7, 3-6, 7-5, 6-3, 7-6 (10/6).“That was a war, epic match, so physical,” Shelton said. “Carlos is one of the greatest champions in our sport already at 23 years old. It’s always fun being on the court against him. It’s ridiculous some of the stuff he comes up with sometimes; it’s the most enjoyable match that I’ve had in my career, for sure.”Alcaraz had gone from strength to strength though his first four matches, but Shelton posed his biggest test and finally proved too much.Shelton, pumped up by the Arthur Ashe Stadium crowd, reeled off nine straight games bridging the second and third sets to seize control, capitalizing on Alcaraz’s flagging serve and getting the better of him in rallies that left him winded.
