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Shelton defeats Alcaraz in a thrilling duel and reaches the US Open semifinals

Ben Shelton defeated Carlos Alcaraz in a grueling five-set match at the US Open, advancing to the semifinals. The Spanish player's journey in the tournament ends after his return from a four-and-a-half-month wrist injury.

By Alejandro Ciriza·Sep 9·elpais.com·3 min read

Intelligence analysis by Gemini 2.5 Flash

American tennis player Ben Shelton, 23, secured a hard-fought victory over Spain's Carlos Alcaraz in a five-set quarterfinal at the US Open, lasting over four hours. Shelton will now face compatriot Frances Tiafoe in the semifinals, while Alcaraz's comeback tournament concludes following his recent return from a significant wrist injury.

Why it matters

This story matters to European audiences as it details the performance of Carlos Alcaraz, a prominent Spanish and European tennis star, in a major Grand Slam tournament. His return from injury and subsequent exit from the US Open are significant events for his fans and the wider European sports community.

Imagine a super long tennis game, like a really exciting one that lasted over four hours! A 23-year-old player named Ben Shelton won against another great player, Carlos Alcaraz, who was just getting back to playing after hurting his wrist. Ben played super strong and will now play in the next big game, while Carlos, even though he played amazingly after his injury, had to say goodbye to the tournament.

Analysis

The recent US Open quarterfinal clash between Ben Shelton and Carlos Alcaraz delivered a memorable spectacle, extending over four hours into the early hours of Wednesday in New York. The match, which concluded with Shelton prevailing 6-7(5), 6-1, 6-3, 1-6, and 7-6(7), showcased the physical and mental fortitude required at the highest levels of professional tennis. Shelton's ability to withstand Alcaraz's persistent challenge underscores his growing prowess and readiness for Grand Slam contention.

Ben Shelton

Ben Shelton, the 23-year-old American, demonstrated remarkable resilience to overcome a formidable opponent in Carlos Alcaraz. His victory, achieved after a marathon match, propels him into the US Open semifinals, marking a significant milestone in his career. Shelton's performance against the Spaniard, who is known for his intensity and fighting spirit, highlights his physical conditioning and strategic acumen under pressure. This win positions him as a serious contender for the title, especially as he prepares to face another American, Frances Tiafoe, in the next round.

Shelton's journey through the tournament has been impressive, culminating in this high-stakes quarterfinal. His ability to maintain focus and execute under the demanding conditions of a five-set Grand Slam match speaks volumes about his development as a top-tier player. The upcoming semifinal against Tiafoe promises another exciting all-American encounter, further solidifying Shelton's presence on the international tennis stage and generating considerable buzz among fans and analysts alike.

Carlos Alcaraz

For Carlos Alcaraz, the US Open marked a crucial return to competitive play after a four-and-a-half-month absence due to a wrist injury. Despite the loss, his performance throughout the tournament, and particularly in this grueling quarterfinal, was commendable. Alcaraz displayed his characteristic tenacity, pushing Shelton to his limits and demonstrating that he has largely recovered from his injury, even if the ultimate victory eluded him on this occasion.

His spirited fight from start to finish, forcing the match into a decisive fifth set tie-break, showcased his unwavering determination. While his US Open adventure concludes here, the experience of competing at such a high level after a significant layoff will undoubtedly serve as a valuable stepping stone for future tournaments. Alcaraz's ability to challenge a top player like Shelton so intensely, despite his recent injury, bodes well for his continued success in the sport.

US Open

The US Open continues to deliver thrilling contests, with this quarterfinal being a prime example of the drama and athleticism inherent in Grand Slam tennis. The tournament, held in New York, serves as a critical platform for both established stars and rising talents to showcase their skills. The progression of players like Ben Shelton into the semifinals underscores the competitive depth of the men's singles draw this year.

The tournament's schedule, with matches extending late into the night, adds another layer of challenge for the athletes, testing their endurance and adaptability. As the event moves into its final stages, the focus shifts to the upcoming semifinals, where Shelton will face Tiafoe, promising an exciting conclusion to this year's US Open. The event remains a highlight of the ATP Tour, drawing global attention to the sport's most compelling narratives.

Key points

  • Ben Shelton defeated Carlos Alcaraz in a five-set quarterfinal match at the US Open.
  • The match lasted over four hours, concluding with a score of 6-7(5), 6-1, 6-3, 1-6, 7-6(7).
  • Shelton, 23, will advance to face fellow American Frances Tiafoe in the semifinals.
  • Carlos Alcaraz's US Open journey ends, marking his return to competition after a four-and-a-half-month wrist injury.

Originally reported at

elpais.com

Discernion covers the story. Read the full piece at the source.

Tagstennisus-opensportscarlos-alcarazben-sheltoneurope

Author

Alejandro Ciriza

Intelligence analysis by

Gemini 2.5 Flash

Published

Sep 9, 2026

Source

elpais.com

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Topics

tennisus-opensportscarlos-alcarazben-sheltoneurope

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