As of 3:33 AM, Shelton outshines Alcaraz in a historic showdown.

Thousands of fans remained in the stands of Arthur Ashe Stadium until the early hours of Wednesday to witness an epic match that saw American Ben Shelton defeat defending champion Carlos Alcaraz in the slowest finish in the history of the US Open.

His comment reflected the long night experienced by both the players and the fans, as the match ended just hours before the workday began in New York.

Twists Until the Fifth Set

Alcaraz entered the match with a perfect record against American players in Grand Slam tournaments, having achieved 13 consecutive victories without defeat, and started the match by winning the first set in a tiebreak.

However, the Spaniard's performance dipped in the second set, allowing Shelton to capitalize on his errors and level the match before taking the lead by winning the third set.

Alcaraz bounced back strongly in the fourth set, winning it 6-1, which forced a fifth set, despite appearing physically unstable and vomiting into a towel during one of the breaks.

The fifth set remained tied through 12 games before Shelton proved his superiority in the extended tiebreak, winning it 10-7 and ending Alcaraz's run in the tournament.

Shelton's victory came against a player who has won seven Grand Slam titles and was making his return to New York after a five-month absence due to a wrist injury.

American Dream Renewed

Shelton will face fellow American Frances Tiafoe in the semifinals, ensuring that an American player will reach the final and boosting local fans' hopes of crowning the first American man to win a Grand Slam singles title since 2003.

With this victory, Shelton entered the history of the US Open, having secured the latest finish in the tournament's history and knocking out the defending champion after a match that extended until 3:33 AM.

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The match started at 11:05 PM on Tuesday and was decided by Shelton at 3:33 AM, after four hours and 28 minutes of continuous play, with a score of 6-7, 6-1, 6-3, 1-6, 7-6.

The encounter was not just a test of endurance for the players, as the crowd stayed in the stands until the final points, continuously cheering for the American player.

Shelton said that the presence of his coaches, family, friends, and the New York fans who cheered him on until 3 AM gave him the motivation to keep fighting and win the match.

Time Off After a Historic Night

After the victory, Shelton recalled that his sister and close friend would have to go to work just a few hours later after staying in the stands until the end of the match.

He joked, "I hope my close friend and sister don’t have to work after 3 hours," before asking their employers to give them a day off.

His comment reflected the long night experienced by both the players and the fans, as the match ended just hours before the workday began in New York.

Twists Until the Fifth Set

Alcaraz entered the match with a perfect record against American players in Grand Slam tournaments, having achieved 13 consecutive victories without defeat, and started the match by winning the first set in a tiebreak.

However, the Spaniard's performance dipped in the second set, allowing Shelton to capitalize on his errors and level the match before taking the lead by winning the third set.

Alcaraz bounced back strongly in the fourth set, winning it 6-1, which forced a fifth set, despite appearing physically unstable and vomiting into a towel during one of the breaks.

The fifth set remained tied through 12 games before Shelton proved his superiority in the extended tiebreak, winning it 10-7 and ending Alcaraz's run in the tournament.

Shelton's victory came against a player who has won seven Grand Slam titles and was making his return to New York after a five-month absence due to a wrist injury.

American Dream Renewed

Shelton will face fellow American Frances Tiafoe in the semifinals, ensuring that an American player will reach the final and boosting local fans' hopes of crowning the first American man to win a Grand Slam singles title since 2003.

With this victory, Shelton entered the history of the US Open, having secured the latest finish in the tournament's history and knocking out the defending champion after a match that extended until 3:33 AM.