Ben Shelton beats Carlos Alcaraz in late-night US Open epic

Ben Shelton's Historic Win

Ben Shelton's victory over Carlos Alcaraz in the US Open quarter-final was a historic moment for American tennis. The match, which lasted 4 hours and 29 minutes, was the latest finish in US Open history, ending at 3:33am local time, as reported by inews.co.uk. Shelton's win marked a significant upset, as Alcaraz was the defending champion and had been in strong form despite a lengthy injury layoff, according to theguardian.com.

The Match

The match was a thrilling encounter, with both players giving it their all. Alcaraz started strongly, winning the first set in a tie-break, but Shelton responded by taking the next two sets, as described by bbc.co.uk. Alcaraz then launched a comeback, winning the fourth set 6-1 and forcing a deciding set. The final set was a tense affair, with neither player able to gain a decisive advantage. In the end, Shelton emerged victorious, winning the tie-break 7-6(7), as reported by theguardian.com.

Shelton's Performance

Shelton's performance was impressive, as he managed to stay focused and composed under pressure. He handled the occasion spectacularly, remaining consistent across five sets and soaking up a lot of pressure in the fifth set, according to theguardian.com. Shelton's win was his first against a top-three opponent in 17 attempts, and it marked a significant milestone in his career, as stated by bbc.co.uk.

Alcaraz's Struggles

Alcaraz's struggles with his physical fitness were evident throughout the match. He had been out of the game for four months with a wrist injury and had only recently returned to competition, as reported by indiatvnews.com. Despite his best efforts, Alcaraz was unable to maintain his level of intensity throughout the match, and his lack of match fitness ultimately caught up with him, according to theguardian.com.

Scheduling Debate

The late finish of the match has sparked debate about scheduling at the US Open. Martina Navratilova criticized the tournament for allowing matches to run so late, saying that it was "not okay" and "not normal," as quoted by theguardian.com. The US Open has faced criticism in the past for its scheduling, with some players and fans arguing that the late finishes are unfair and can affect the quality of play.

Detail	Information
Match Duration	4 hours and 29 minutes
Finish Time	3:33am local time
Score	6-7(5), 6-1, 6-3, 1-6, 7-6(7)

Implications

Shelton's victory has significant implications for the US Open. With his win, Shelton has guaranteed an American place in the final for the first time in 23 years, as stated by bbc.co.uk. He will face fellow American Frances Tiafoe in the semi-final, setting up a potentially historic encounter. The match will be a closely watched affair, with many fans and pundits eager to see which American will emerge victorious.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the score of the match?

Ben Shelton won the match 6-7(5), 6-1, 6-3, 1-6, 7-6(7), as reported by theguardian.com.

How long did the match last?

The match lasted 4 hours and 29 minutes, according to theguardian.com.

What is the significance of Shelton's win?

Shelton's win guarantees an American place in the final for the first time in 23 years, as stated by bbc.co.uk.

The US Open will continue to be a closely watched tournament, with many fans and pundits eager to see how the remaining matches will play out. With Shelton's historic win, the stage is set for a potentially thrilling semi-final encounter against Frances Tiafoe. As the tournament progresses, one thing is certain - the US Open will continue to be a showcase for the best tennis players in the world, with plenty of drama and excitement to come. The next trigger will be the semi-final match between Shelton and Tiafoe, which will determine who will advance to the final and have a chance to win the championship.