Who Is Ben Shelton? All About American Tennis Star Responsible for Carlos Alcaraz’s US Open 2026 Exit
American phenom Ben Shelton achieves a monumental upset at the US Open 2026, defeating defending champion Carlos Alcaraz in a five-set quarterfinal thriller at Arthur Ashe Stadium. This historic victory, concluding at 3:33 AM ET on September 9, 2026, marks Shelton's first career win against Alcaraz and propels him into the semifinals.
In a match that will be etched into US Open lore, American sensation Ben Shelton has pulled off a colossal upset, defeating reigning champion Carlos Alcaraz in a pulsating five-set quarterfinal clash that stretched into the early hours of Wednesday, September 9, 2026. The 24-year-old Shelton, seeded eighth, triumphed over the second-seeded Spaniard with a final score of 6-7, 6-1, 6-3, 1-6, 7-6 (10-8) after a marathon four-and-a-half-hour battle on Arthur Ashe Stadium. US Open 2026: Ben Shelton Topples Defending Champion Carlos Alcaraz in Five-Set Flushing Meadows Classic.
The monumental victory, which wrapped up at an astonishing 3:33 AM ET, now holds the record for the latest finish in US Open history. It marks Shelton's first career win against Alcaraz, breaking a 0-3 head-to-head record against the Spaniard.
Ben Shelton's Masterclass Under the Lights
From the outset, the match was a high-stakes affair. Though Alcaraz edged the first set in a tie-break, Shelton roared back with aggressive play and a formidable serve, securing the second and third sets. The 24-year-old American's powerful left-handed serve and thunderous forehand proved effective in disrupting Alcaraz's rhythm, captivating the fervent home crowd that largely rallied behind their local hero.
Alcaraz, who had been in dominant form since returning from a four-and-a-half-month wrist injury layoff, showed his championship pedigree by fighting back to claim the fourth set convincingly, pushing the match to a decisive fifth. However, Shelton displayed remarkable composure in the final set, eventually clinching the dramatic tie-break 10-8 to complete the upset.
Battle of the Young Guns: Player Profiles
| Player | Age (on Sept 9, 2026) | Birth Date | Current ATP Ranking (Aug 31, 2026) | 2026 Singles Titles |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ben Shelton | 24 | October 9, 2002 | No. 9 | 4 (Munich, Stuttgart, Dallas, Canadian Open) |
| Carlos Alcaraz | 23 | May 5, 2003 | No. 3 | 2 (Australian Open, Doha) |
Prior to this encounter, Carlos Alcaraz had an exceptional 2026 season, securing his seventh major title at the Australian Open and completing a career Grand Slam. His loss to Shelton marks his first Grand Slam quarterfinal exit since the 2025 Australian Open, snapping a streak of four consecutive Grand Slam finals. Shelton, meanwhile, has enjoyed a breakout year, winning titles on hard, clay, and grass surfaces, showcasing his versatility. US Open 2026: Aryna Sabalenka Edges Wimbledon Champion Linda Noskova in Thriller To Reach Semis.
Ben Shelton's victory not only sends him into the semifinals but also signals a significant shift in the landscape of men's tennis, as the young American continues to make his mark on the sport's biggest stages. His journey at Flushing Meadows will now be closely watched as he eyes a maiden Grand Slam title.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 09, 2026 01:51 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
