Ben Shelton shatters US Open record with five‑set marathon victory
Ben Shelton became the face of American men’s tennis Wednesday after winning the longest US Open match in history, beating Carlos Alcaraz 6‑7(5), 6‑1, 6‑3, 1‑6, 7‑6(10‑7) in a five‑set thriller that ended at 3:33 a.m.
The marathon lasted 4 hours 28 minutes, surpassing the previous Grand Slam record of 2 hours 50 minutes and pushing the clock past 2:50 a.m. in New York.
With the win, Shelton secured a semifinal berth and will meet fellow American Francis Tiafoe on Friday, guaranteeing a U.S. representative in the final.
Shelton fed off the roaring New York crowd, saying the fans’ support “kept me going till the very end.”
Alcaraz’s 18‑match Grand Slam winning streak ended, and his 53 unforced errors proved decisive in the final set.
Shelton’s serve powered the win, delivering seven aces and only two double faults.
This was Shelton’s first career victory over Alcaraz, who previously held a 3‑0 record, the last meeting occurring at Roland Garros in 2025.
In a separate development, Aryna Sabalenka halted a US Open match over an alleged marijuana smell, prompting Dr. Janette Nesheiwat to discuss the health implications of marijuana use on Fox Report.
Shelton’s triumph marks the first U.S. man to reach a Grand Slam final since Andy Roddick’s 2003 victory.
