Ben Shelton Gets His Big Win In Latest Finish At US Open

Ben Shelton won the biggest match of his life, finally beating Carlos Alcaraz, whom he had never beaten before, as a huge underdog.

Shelton defeated Alcaraz at 3:33 a.m. in New York on Tuesday in what was the latest US Open finish in the tournament’s history.

Many people ask why the US Open has finishes this late, but those watching were enthralled by the instant classic on Arthur Ashe Stadium.

The match had high expectations, but many experts thought Alcaraz would win easily, and after the first set it felt that way, as Shelton played well and still lost in a tiebreak. Alcaraz played poorly in the next two sets, and Shelton led two sets to one.

Alcaraz found his gear eventually and won the fourth set in blowout fashion, which had many people believing yet again the match was Alcaraz’.

Alcaraz had an outstanding 15-1 record in fifth sets in his career, but Shelton upped his level and, from a mini-breakdown in the tiebreak, stunned the Spaniard and defending champion with a signature ace to close the match.

It was a massive upset, and the best match of the young Shelton’s life.

It also gives Shelton a huge chance to claim his maiden US Open and Grand Slam title. Now the second favorite, his path is much more alive than it looked before the Alcaraz match.

With world number one Jannik Sinner out with an injury, one-seed Alexander Zverev is the toughest test that stands in the way if Shelton gets to the final. Zverev is playing great tennis, but is a much more likely option than Alcaraz was to get through.

Ben will take on fellow American Frances Tiafoe in the semifinals on Friday.