Overview
- Shelton defeated defending champion Carlos Alcaraz 6-7(5), 6-1, 6-3, 1-6, 7-6(10-7) in a five‑set quarterfinal that finished at about 3:33 a.m. ET after roughly 4 hours 28 minutes, the latest finish in U.S. Open history.
- The victory was Shelton's first win over a top‑three player, moved him into his third Grand Slam semifinal, and ended on a 146 mph ace that Alcaraz could not return.
- Alcaraz was playing his first tournament since a right‑wrist layoff in April, showed visible signs of physical distress during the match including vomiting before the final set, and will focus on recovery after his exit.
- Shelton will face fellow American Frances Tiafoe in the semifinals, guaranteeing an American in the men's final for the first time since Andy Roddick won in 2003.
- The match amplified concerns about late‑night scheduling at Arthur Ashe Stadium, with organizers already signaling a review after multiple marathon matches and crowds staying late despite the toll on player recovery.