My sister has work at 6:00: Ben Shelton causes laughter after 5-set marathon against Alcaraz

American Ben Shelton stunned defending champion Carlos Alcaraz in a four-hour, 28-minute marathon at the US Open on Wednesday, September 9. But even a grueling 5-set clash couldn’t take away his sense of humor. In a courtside interview after the game, he caused a laugh riot at Arthur Ashe Stadium with relatively relatable concerns.

After beating the Spaniard 6-7(5), 6-1, 6-3, 1-6, 7-6 (10-7) in the quarter-finals, Shelton pointed out that his best friend and sister, who remained in the stands well past 3am local time, had to be at work just three hours later.

“It’s unbelievable. I always say this is the greatest sports city in the world. I say this is the greatest stadium in the world,” Shelton said after the game.

“I just hope my best friend and my sister don’t have to be over there at 6 in the morning at work for three hours. It would be great of their employers to give them the day off today.”

SHELTON SUBSTITUTES END ALCARAZ’S COMEBACK

Shelton’s victory ended Alcaraz’s quest for back-to-back US Open titles and sent the American into the semifinals, where she will face compatriot Frances Tiafoe. The match started at 11.05pm on Tuesday and ended at 3.33am on Wednesday, the first ever match in the history of the tournament to end after 3am.

Alcaraz looked in control after winning a tight opening set in a tiebreak. But the seven-time Grand Slam champion struggled with unforced errors as the superbly serving Shelton raced through the second set 6-1 before winning the third 6-3.

Alcaraz fought back in the fourth set and won it 6-1 to take the decision.

The Spaniard, who returned to New York after nearly five months with a wrist injury, also struggled physically during the marathon. He vomited into a towel at a break before returning to the court for the deciding set.

Alcaraz and Shelton then went 12 games against each other before the American held his nerve in the deciding tiebreak.

Shelton won 10-7 to complete the stunning upset.

Alcaraz arrived at Arthur Ashe Stadium with a 13-0 Grand Slam record against the American men, but Shelton eventually ended that run.

For Shelton, the victory also boosts America’s hopes of ending a 22-year wait for a men’s Grand Slam champion. The last American to win a major was Andy Roddick at the 2003 US Open.

Shelton credited the crowd for helping him get through the marathon.

“For me, it’s always about the people in the crowd, whether it’s my coaches and my team over there, all my family and friends over here, or the city of New York. They showed up until 3 a.m. tonight, chanting all the way to the end. That’s what kept me going and that’s what got me the win tonight.”

The American also took a moment to reflect on the occasion after reaching his first US Open semi-final.

“No, I’m just so grateful, so blessed. God has blessed me in so many ways. It’s an absolute honor to be here tonight in front of you guys. It’s an absolute honor to share the court with Carlos and I cherish every moment I get to spend here.”

– The end

Issued by:

Kingshuk Kusari

Published on:

09 Sep 2026 13:41 IST