Arya News - Shelton comes through in a 6-7 (5-7), 6-1, 6-3, 1-6, 7-6 (10-6) epic against defending champion Alcaraz.
Ben Shelton has stamped his authority on his home tennis Grand Slam by overcoming two-time champion Carlos Alcaraz in an all-time classic US Open quarterfinal that lasted four hours and 28 minutes.
Shelton held his nerve in the final set tie-breaker to win the nail-biting match with a 6-7 (5-7), 6-1, 6-3, 1-6, 7-6 (10-6) scoreline in the latest finish to a US Open match on Wednesday morning.
The American, seeded eighth in the tournament, enjoyed the home support despite the popularity of Spaniard Alcaraz, who was looking to complete a three-peat of titles in New York.
Alcaraz, seeded third upon his comeback after a long injury layoff, started brightly by winning the first set before Shelton pushed the seven-time Grand Slam winner into a string of unforced errors.
Shelton, the highest-seeded American men’s singles player in the final Grand Slam of the year, gave the raucous crowd much to cheer for as he raced to win the second and third sets.
In a battle of two 23-year-old talents, Alcaraz came back to win the fourth set and take the match into the deciding set but struggled in the fifth set.
The defending champion struggled at several moments in the final set and appeared to have vomited into his towel during a break.
However, Alcaraz pushed the home favourite until the end but fell short when the fifth set was forced into a tie-break.