Ben Shelton Beats Alcaraz in 3:33am US Open Marathon

Ben Shelton fired a 239 kmh ace at 3:33 in the morning, ending Carlos Alcaraz's US Open title defense and making tennis history in the process.

The American's 6-7, 6-1, 6-3, 1-6, 7-6 victory over the defending champion became the latest-finishing match in US Open history. The marathon battle lasted 4 hours and 28 minutes, with thousands of fans staying until the final point in a stadium still one-third full at nearly 4 a.m.

"I'm tired. It was a war," Shelton said after the match. "Carlos is one of the greatest champions of our sport. It was the most enjoyable match I've had in my career, for sure."

Alcaraz had been on an incredible 18-match winning streak in Grand Slam tournaments before falling to Shelton. The Spanish star, playing his first tournament since April after recovering from a wrist injury, fought until he had nothing left, even vomiting before the final set began.

Despite his exhaustion, Alcaraz battled back from a nine-game losing streak and took a 5-3 lead in the final tiebreaker. But Shelton's powerful serve and Alcaraz's fatigue combined to shift momentum one last time.

The win sends Shelton to face Frances Tiafoe in an all-American semifinal. Tiafoe completed his own comeback earlier Tuesday, rallying from two sets down to beat Alex Michelsen.

Why This Inspires

The United States is now guaranteed a spot in Sunday's final for the first time in years. The country hasn't celebrated a men's Grand Slam champion since Andy Roddick won this very tournament in 2003.

Shelton's victory represents his third major semifinal appearance at just 23 years old. His combination of youth, power, and resilience mirrors the new generation of American tennis rising to challenge established champions.

Tiafoe joined Andre Agassi as the only American men to reach three US Open semifinals this century. He'll return to the top 10 rankings for the first time in three years.

For Alcaraz, the night still held meaning despite the loss. "I'm leaving happy and my head held high," he said. "The truth is, I wanted to win, but also our goal was to leave the tournament having played matches and staying healthy."

The rowdy home crowd kept the energy electric all night, chanting "USA! USA!" and Shelton's name even as dawn approached. "I always say that this is the greatest sports city in the world," Shelton said.

One of these Americans will make history on Sunday.