Ben Shelton reaches US Open semi-finals after Alcaraz win

Ben Shelton has eliminated defending champion Carlos Alcaraz to return to the US Open semi-finals, reaching the last four three years after his previous appearance. The victory also ended his losing record against the Spaniard after three earlier meetings and gave him his first Grand Slam win over a top-three or top-10 opponent.

The 23-year-old American prevailed 6-7, 6-3, 6-1, 1-6, 7-6 in a contest lasting four hours and 30 minutes. The deciding super tie-break finished 10-7, with Shelton sealing the match through a powerful ace. Play ended at 3:35am in New York.

Shelton, ranked ninth before the tournament, recovered after dropping the opening set in a tie-break. He then took control of the next two sets before Alcaraz forced a decider. The Spaniard had survived several break-point chances earlier in the final set, but could not complete the comeback.

The result is the biggest win of Shelton’s career and keeps the American in contention for his first Grand Slam final. He will face fellow American Frances Tiafoe in Thursday’s semi-final. Tiafoe advanced from the other quarter-final against Alex Michelsen after recovering from a difficult start.