Atlanta native Ben Shelton reached the U.S. Open semifinals early Wednesday after defeating defending champion Carlos Alcaraz in a five-set match that ended later than any other match in tournament history.
Featured image: AI-generated illustration representing the verified late-night match details; it is not documentary photography.
Shelton won 6-7(5), 6-1, 6-3, 1-6, 7-6(7) inside Arthur Ashe Stadium. The match lasted four hours and 28 minutes and finished at 3:33 a.m. Eastern time, according to the official U.S. Open report.
A five-set turnaround
After losing the opening-set tiebreak, Shelton controlled the next two sets before Alcaraz forced a decider. Shelton closed the final-set tiebreak 10-7, finishing the match with a 146 mph ace. The victory ended Alcaraz’s title defense and sent Shelton to his second U.S. Open semifinal.
The result also marked Shelton’s first win over a top-three opponent. The 23-year-old, who was born in Atlanta and played college tennis at the University of Florida, entered the tournament as the highest-ranked American man.
What comes next
Shelton will face fellow American Frances Tiafoe in the semifinals. The matchup guarantees an American finalist and adds another chapter to a tournament run already defined by the latest finish in U.S. Open history.
Atlanta News First also highlighted Shelton’s Georgia connection in its September 9 coverage.
