Ben Shelton made headlines by defeating defending champion Carlos Alcaraz in a gripping US Open quarter-final that concluded at an unprecedented 03:34 on Wednesday.
Shelton, known for his powerful shots, claimed a hard-fought 6-7 (5/7), 6-1, 6-3, 1-6, 7-6 (10/7) victory over Alcaraz on Arthur Ashe stadium, dashing the Spaniard's hopes of a title defense in his comeback tournament.
The late-night showdown set the stage for an all-American semi-final, with Shelton advancing to face Frances Tiafoe after his remarkable comeback win against compatriot Alex Michelsen.
Both Shelton and Alcaraz expressed respect for each other after the match, with the defending champion acknowledging Shelton's prowess and physicality on the court.
Meanwhile, Tiafoe's perseverance paid off as he rallied from a two-set deficit against Michelsen, ultimately securing a spot in the semi-finals in a dramatic 5-7, 3-6, 7-5, 6-3, 7-6 (10/6) victory.
With an exciting lineup in the semi-finals, American tennis fans eagerly anticipate the prospect of a home-grown player potentially clinching the prestigious US Open title.
