US Open 2024: Shelton beats Alcaraz in latest finish
Ben Shelton defeats Carlos Alcaraz in a five-set US Open 2024 quarter-final thriller ending at 03:34 local time, the latest finish ever.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
- Ben Shelton defeated Carlos Alcaraz 3-2 sets: 6-7, 6-1, 6-3, 1-6, 7-6
- The match concluded at 03:34 local time, setting a tournament record
- Shelton advances to the semi-finals to face compatriot Frances Tiafoe
The US Open 2024 quarter-final clash between American eighth seed Ben Shelton and Spain's third seed Carlos Alcaraz delivered a historic marathon lasting 4 hours and 28 minutes, concluding at 03:34 local time to mark the latest finish in tournament history.
A dedicated crowd remained packed inside Arthur Ashe Stadium deep into the night. Play did not get underway until approximately 23:00 in New York due to earlier delays. Ultimately, Shelton secured a memorable 6-7 (5-7), 6-1, 6-3, 1-6, 7-6 (10-7) victory amidst a standing ovation from the ecstatic audience.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
This triumph stands as the biggest victory of Shelton's career, breaking an 0-17 record against top-three players and overcoming three prior losses to Alcaraz. Furthermore, it boosts American hopes for a first home-grown men's singles champion in New York in 23 years, tracing back to Andy Roddick's 2003 title.
"That was a war, an epic match, so physical, Carlos is one of the greatest champions in our sport already at 23 years old."
Alcaraz, competing in his first tournament following a four-month layoff due to a wrist injury, acknowledged the physical toll. Despite fighting back from a deficit to force a deciding set and a 10-point tie-break, his lack of match fitness caught up with him alongside a high tally of 53 unforced errors.
Analysis and Context: Late-night Grand Slam finishes place extreme physical and neurological stress on athletes, severely disrupting recovery windows and sleep cycles. Managing energy reserves becomes critical for the next round, meaning Shelton's physical recuperation ahead of his semi-final against Frances Tiafoe will be heavily scrutinized.
Shelton now advances to his third major semi-final, where he will face Frances Tiafoe on Friday, guaranteeing an American finalist in New York for the first time in over two decades.
Source: BBC Sport
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