Ben Shelton and Frances Tiafoe Set Up Historic All-American US Open Semifinal Following Alcaraz’s Exit

The US Open reached a fever pitch as Ben Shelton stunned defending champion Carlos Alcaraz in a record-breaking late-night marathon, securing a place in the semi-finals against compatriot Frances Tiafoe. This result guarantees an American man will reach the final for the first time since Andy Roddick in 2003, as the home crowd witnessed two of the most dramatic comebacks in recent tournament history. The energy at Flushing Meadows remains high as the field narrows toward the championship matches.

Shelton’s victory over Alcaraz was a feat of endurance and skill, concluding at 3:33 a.m.—the latest finish in the history of the US Open. The four-hour and 28-minute battle saw Shelton disrupt Alcaraz’s 18-match Grand Slam winning streak with a final score of 6-7 (5), 6-1, 6-3, 1-6, 7-6 (10-7). Despite Alcaraz’s valiant effort while battling illness during the match, the young American’s power and composure in the tiebreak ended the Spaniard's quest for a consecutive title.

On the other side of the bracket, Frances Tiafoe demonstrated incredible resilience by overcoming a two-set deficit against fellow American Alex Michelsen. In a match lasting four hours and 38 minutes, Tiafoe rallied from trailing 5-7, 3-6 and a break in the third set to take the final three sets 7-5, 6-3, 7-6 (10-6). Tiafoe, reaching his third semi-final in five years, credited his improved fitness and the electrifying home support for his survival, even as he paused to console a tearful Michelsen following the intense quarter-final clash.

In the women’s draw, defending champion Aryna Sabalenka kept her title defense alive with a hard-fought victory over Linda Noskova. Despite a shaky performance marked by double faults, Sabalenka secured her 19th consecutive victory at the tournament with a 7-6 (7-1), 3-6, 7-6 (10-7) scoreline. Sabalenka expressed her joy at the opportunity for a potential "three-peat" as she prepares to face American Jessica Pegula in the semi-finals. Pegula secured her spot by pushing past Emma Navarro in another challenging quarter-final match.

These results set the stage for a high-stakes final round of matches at Flushing Meadows. With the American men now assured of a representative in the championship match and Sabalenka chasing history in the women's division, the tournament continues to deliver high-octane drama. The upcoming semifinals will test whether the veterans can maintain their momentum against rising stars hungry for their first major titles.