US Open: Ben Shelton ends Tsitsipas’ resurgent run to set up match for Alcaraz

Ben Shelton ended Stefanos Tsitsipas’ resurgent run at the US Open on Sunday, beating the Greek 6-2, 6-3, 6-4 at Arthur Ashe Stadium to reach the quarter-finals and keep alive America’s hopes of a first men’s Grand Slam champion in more than two decades.

Tsitsipas reached the fourth round after finally finding his way deep into the Grand Slam again. The 27-year-old, ranked 53rd in the world, has not reached the fourth round of a major since the 2024 French Open, but produced an impressive run in New York, beating 10th seed Arthur Fils, South African qualifier Lloyd Harris and Jiří Lehečka.

Against Lehecka, Tsitsipas showed the kind of fight he has lacked in recent Grand Slam campaigns as he rallied from a set down to win 2-6, 6-1, 7-6(3), 6-1. He also fired 12 aces in that win.

However, Shelton abruptly ended that revival.

The eighth seed was ruthless from the start, mixing raw power with a fine touch and sharp decision-making to overwhelm Tsitsipas in an opening set that lasted just 31 minutes.

Shelton never allowed his opponent to settle in the match, taking a two-set lead before adding a touch of showmanship to an already dominant performance. A blistering overhead smash sent roars from the Arthur Ashe crowd before the American raced to complete a comfortable hold and seal victory in the straights.

“It was a good match from start to finish. It was my first straight match of the year and I’m happy to play this way in front of you,” Shelton said.

US OPEN: SHELTON VS ALCARAZ IN QF

The 22-year-old is now one win away from a return to the US Open semi-finals, but defending champion Carlos Alcaraz stands in his way.

Alcaraz has been in sensational form in New York since returning from injury layoff and Shelton knows it will take something special to stop the Spaniard.

“The level he’s playing at is really impressive. Not playing for almost five months and doing what he’s doing is superhuman and we’re glad to have him back,” Shelton said.

“It lights up the stadiums and I think there will be fireworks again on Tuesday.

Shelton also brings more American hope to this showdown. He is bidding to become the first American to win a Grand Slam since Andy Roddick’s 2003 triumph at Flushing Meadows.

The pressure of playing at Arthur Ashe Stadium hasn’t always been easy for Shelton, but he felt he finally found his rhythm against Tsitsipas.

“My team told me if I didn’t show full focus they would leave,” he joked.

“When you play this court every year, it’s like starting over and the nerves hit. I finally found my groove and was in a flow state. Playing on the best court in the world is an incredible feeling.”

Now comes the biggest test yet.

Shelton faces Alcaraz on Tuesday for a place in the US Open semi-finals and the American will need to find another level if he is to stop the defending champion’s remarkable return to the Grand Slam stage.

– The end

Issued by:

Kingshuk Kusari

Published on:

07 Sep 2026 08:23 IST