Shelton Stuns Alcaraz to Reach US Open Semis

Ben Shelton just ended Carlos Alcaraz's title reign in the latest-finishing match in US Open history. Shelton won 6-7 (5), 6-1, 6-3, 1-6, 7-6 (10-7) in a marathon that closed at 3:33 a.m. ET Wednesday after 4 hours and 28 minutes, sealed by a 146 mph ace Alcaraz could not get back, per ESPN.

That all-American semifinal vs Frances Tiafoe is now locked for Friday. One of them reaches Sunday's final, and the United States is guaranteed a men's singles finalist for the first time since Andy Roddick lifted this trophy in 2003.

Alcaraz walked into Arthur Ashe with an 18-match Grand Slam winning streak and a 13-0 Slam record against American men. Shelton ripped that streak apart with the home crowd still chanting USA deep into the night. Reuters confirmed the same scoreline and the tournament-record finish time.

From set down to a 146 mph closer

Alcaraz took a tight first-set tiebreak. Then Shelton flipped the script, winning nine straight games from early in the second until he led 3-0 in the third. The Spaniard, back in New York after nearly five months out with a wrist issue, forced a fifth even while looking flat on the forehand.

Before the decider, Alcaraz vomited into a towel. He still dragged Shelton through 12 games and led 5-3 in the match tiebreak before Shelton's serve took over. ESPN Research noted Shelton became the first American to beat the defending US Open champion in five sets since 18-year-old Pete Sampras beat Mats Wilander in 1989.

Earlier coverage framed the quarterfinal preview before a ball was struck. This is the result piece: Shelton survived, Alcaraz pushed him to the wall, and Flushing stayed awake until the ace.

Tiafoe next, Flushing still loud

Tiafoe beat Alex Michelsen in five earlier Tuesday, so Friday is Shelton vs Tiafoe in an all-American semis. Per ESPN, it will be the first major meeting in the semifinals or later between Black American men in the Open era. One becomes the first Black American man in a US Open final since Arthur Ashe in 1972.

Shelton called it the most enjoyable match of his career and thanked the city that stayed until 3 a.m. Alcaraz said he was disappointed but proud of how he fought while physically drained. No man has defended a US Open title since Roger Federer's five-peat from 2004 to 2008.

For fantasy and betting boards, treat Shelton as a live semis fixture with Tiafoe across the net. The scoreline was a war. The finish was pure heat. Friday decides which American keeps New York's title dream breathing into the weekend.