US Open 2026: Ben Shelton Topples Defending Champion Carlos Alcaraz in Five-Set Flushing Meadows Classic
American tennis star Ben Shelton, 23, has sensationally knocked out defending champion Carlos Alcaraz, 23, in a five-set epic at the US Open 2026 quarter-finals. Shelton defeated the Spanish World No. 3 with a score of 6-7(4), 7-6(6), 3-6, 7-6(8), 6-4 at Arthur Ashe Stadium on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, marking a significant upset in the tournament.
In a match that will be etched into the annals of US Open history, American powerhouse Ben Shelton, 23, produced a stunning performance to overcome reigning champion Carlos Alcaraz, also 23, in a gripping five-set quarter-final. The electric atmosphere at Arthur Ashe Stadium witnessed Shelton's raw power and determination prevail, ending Alcaraz's quest for a third US Open title in a marathon encounter that finished 6-7(4), 7-6(6), 3-6, 7-6(8), 6-4. The match, which commenced at 8:10 PM EDT on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, captivated the Flushing Meadows crowd for over four hours. Carlos Alcaraz Shirtless Moment: Fans Film Spaniard's Post-Match Routine at US Open 2026.
Ben Shelton After Defeating Carlos Alcaraz
Ben Shelton scores the biggest win of his career and a spot in the US Open semifinals! pic.twitter.com/2PCndRLcpL
— US Open Tennis (@usopen) September 9, 2026
Ben Shelton's Historic Upset
Entering the match, Ben Shelton, ranked World No. 9, faced a daunting task against the World No. 3 Carlos Alcaraz. Their head-to-head record stood firmly in the Spaniard's favour at 3-0, with Shelton having never secured a victory against the prolific Grand Slam winner. This history, however, served only as fuel for the young American, who consistently pushed Alcaraz to his limits. Alcaraz, who clinched the US Open title in both 2022 and 2025 and completed a career Grand Slam by winning the Australian Open earlier this year, was widely expected to advance.
The match was a true test of endurance and nerve. Alcaraz took the tightly contested first set in a tie-break, only for Shelton to respond emphatically by winning the second set, also in a tie-break. The momentum swung back to Alcaraz in the third, showcasing his undeniable class and experience. However, Shelton refused to yield, digging deep to claim a dramatic fourth-set tie-break, setting the stage for a decisive fifth set. Carlos Alcaraz Spotted With Mystery Woman During Luxury Yacht Outing, Fueling Dating Rumours.
In the final set, Shelton harnessed the roaring support of the home crowd, breaking Alcaraz's serve to take a crucial lead. He held his nerve, serving out the match to secure the biggest win of his career and send shockwaves through the tournament.
Ben Shelton's victory not only marks a significant milestone in his burgeoning career but also blows the men's singles draw wide open at the US Open 2026, promising an enthralling conclusion to the final Grand Slam of the year.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 09, 2026 01:15 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
