Shelton ends Alcaraz’s title reign in late-night marathon, will face Tiafoe in US Open semis

Shelton halted Alcaraz's title quest in a late-night, marathon US Open match, defeating the young player 6-7 (5), 6-1, 6-3, 1-6, 7-6 (10-7) in 4 hours and 28 minutes. Alcaraz's 18-match winning streak in Grand Slam tournaments was brought to an end. The US team is assured of having a man in the final as it aims for the first men's major title since Andy Roddick in 2003.

Alcaraz previously held the record for the latest finish at the U.S. Open, defeating Jannik Sinner in a quarterfinal match that ended at 2:50 a.m. in 2022. Three of the four singles quarterfinal matches on the marathon day went to match tiebreakers, with Aryna Sabalenka edging Wimbledon champion Linda Noskova to keep her hopes alive for a third straight U.S. Open title.

Shelton claimed his third major semifinal appearance, having reached the final four in the 2023 U.S. Open and the Australian Open in 2025. Despite returning from a right wrist injury, Alcaraz put up a strong fight, vomiting just before the start of the final set.