Ben Shelton: “Win or Lose, We Would Have a Smile on Our Face” — American Joy Drives Historic Victory over Carlos Alcaraz into US Open Semifinals
Inside a packed Arthur Ashe Stadium during the late-night hours, Ben Shelton discovered that the key to unlocking his biggest career victory wasn’t anxiety or pressure—it was pure, unfiltered joy.
In a high-octane quarterfinal clash that concluded at 3:33 a.m. local time, marking the latest finish in US Open history, the 23-year-old American dethroned 2025 defending champion Carlos Alcaraz 6-7(5), 6-1, 6-3, 1-6, 7-6(10/7). Across four hours and 28 minutes of thrilling, high-level tennis, Shelton leaned on constant positive energy shared with his father and coach, Bryan Shelton, sitting in his courtside box.
“For us, it was just enjoyable to be a part of that match,” Shelton told media following his landmark win. “Obviously the level of tennis, how long the match was going, the fight that it was, how even of a match it was back and forth throughout, I think that that’s something that we can appreciate. Win or lose, we would have a smile on our face.”
Overcoming Head-to-Head History and Top-3 Hurdles
Shelton entered the contest carrying an 0-3 head-to-head record against Alcaraz and an 0-17 record overall against Top-3 opponents. Despite those formidable numbers and dropping a grueling opening tiebreak, the American remained steadfast in his tactical execution and court demeanor.
“[An] epic match, so physical,” Shelton reflected. “Carlos is one of the greatest champions in our sport already at 23 years old. It’s always fun being on the court against him. It’s ridiculous some of the stuff he comes up with sometimes. But the most enjoyable match that I’ve had in my career, for sure.”
Tactical Returns Lay Foundation for Turnaround
The catalyst for Shelton’s monumental upset came in how he absorbed losing the opening set. Rather than deflating, he channelled his confidence from a late break in the first frame into an offensive blitz, breaking Alcaraz’s serve four times across the second and third sets.
“Yeah, I was pissed, but I broke the last game before the tie-breaker, so that kind of helped my confidence going into the second set,” Shelton explained. “I knew that my serve was only going to get better, and if I had already dialled in the return to the point that I could break him, I thought my chances were good to get that second set. Once I got rolling in the second set, broke him three times in that set, it was a lot easier to just play and swing more freely.”
Shelton generated 16 break point opportunities overall, capitalizing on five against the World No. 3.
“I returned really well. I thought I was smart with how I went about my return games,” Shelton added. “I thought I made him play a lot. I thought I capitalised on him missing, like when he missed a spot, and I didn’t worry or stress too much when he hit his spot. I think for me to be able to hang in there in the rallies, have a game plan from the ground, and be able to execute that game plan and not be losing all the baseline points, also helps with the return.”
Shelton now turns his attention to Friday’s blockbuster semi-final, where he will face close friend and countryman Frances Tiafoe in an All-American showdown for a place in the US Open final.
