Ben Shelton Stuns Defending Champion in Historic US Open Victory
By Editor • September 9, 2026 • 1 min read
In a thrilling match that stretched into the early hours, 23-year-old Ben Shelton made headlines by defeating defending champion Carlos Alcaraz, marking a significant moment for American tennis at the US Open.
The quarter-final showdown began on Tuesday night and concluded just after 3:30 AM on Wednesday morning, setting a record for the latest finish at the tournament and ranking fifth among the latest finishes in Grand Slam history. Shelton's triumph came as he served his seventh ace, sealing the match in five sets.
Following the intense victory, Shelton shared a heartfelt moment at the net with Alcaraz before celebrating with a jubilant display towards his coach's box. He also acknowledged his family in the stands, particularly his mother and girlfriend, soccer star Trinity Rodman. In a light-hearted moment during his on-court interview, he requested that his sister Emma be given the day off after supporting him throughout the night.
Source: www.theguardian.com
