everyside
Tennis

Shelton beats Alcaraz in late-night US Open upset

48 sourcesUpdated 9 Sept 2026, 7:34 am Coverage regionsGlobal · International
CATCH ME UP

Shelton upset Alcaraz in a grueling five-set quarterfinal at the US Open.

The match ended at 3:33 a.m. and lasted four hours and 28 minutes.

Shelton won 6-7, 6-1, 6-3, 1-6, 7-6, according to one report.

Alcaraz was said to have battled unforced errors and physical issues during the contest.

Why it mattersShelton’s upset ends Alcaraz’s 18-match Grand Slam run and reshapes the US Open draw.
More context

Shelton advanced to face Frances Tiafoe in the semifinals.

AGREEMENT VS DISAGREEMENT

What lines up. What splits.

A quick read on shared facts, changing details, and different emphasis.

What coverage agrees on

All reports agree that Ben Shelton defeated Carlos Alcaraz in a five-set US Open quarterfinal that finished very late. They also agree that Shelton moved on to face Frances Tiafoe next.

What is changing or disputed

Details vary slightly on the exact score order and on how strongly Alcaraz’s struggles are described. The reports consistently place the finish at 3:33 a.m., but phrasing about the match’s significance and late scheduling differs.

HOW COVERAGE DIFFERS

Same story. Different emphasis.

Swipe through the perspectives. Labels describe coverage framing, not truth or quality.

Supportive1

One supportive report highlights Shelton’s win as a classic five-set thriller over Carlos Alcaraz. It stresses that the match finished at 3:33 a.m. in the latest match ever at the US Open. The report presents Shelton’s victory as a significant moment and notes that he advances to an all-American semifinal against Frances Tiafoe.

Distinctive emphasis — reported claim, not independently verified.Sources: New York Post
Neutral5

Neutral coverage focuses on the basic result, the length of the match, and the late finish. It reports Shelton’s win over defending champion Carlos Alcaraz in a five-set quarterfinal and gives the final score in one case. Some versions add that Alcaraz had physical issues or unforced errors, while others simply note the upset. All of these reports say Shelton moved on to face Frances Tiafoe in the semifinals.

Distinctive emphasis — reported claim, not independently verified.Sources: Rediff, The Sun, SportsTak
STORY TIMELINE

How the coverage developed

The latest eight dated reports, from earliest to newest.

GO DEEPER

Read the reporting

Scan each source take, then open the original article.

New York Post Supportive framing Reported

Ben Shelton wins classic five-set thriller over Carlos Alcaraz in latest match ever at US Open

Quick source take

The New York Post reports that eighth-seeded Ben Shelton defeated defending champion Carlos Alcaraz in a five-set quarterfinal at the US Open, finishing at 3:33 a.m. in the latest match in tournament history. Shelton secured the victory 6-7, 6-1, 6-3, 1-6, 7-6 after four hours and 28 minutes of play. He advances to face Frances Tiafoe in an all-American semifinal matchup.

Rediff Neutral framing Reported

Shelton Knocks Out Alcaraz After Epic US Open Battle

Quick source take

Rediff reports that Ben Shelton achieved a major career upset by defeating defending champion Carlos Alcaraz in a five-set thriller at Arthur Ashe Stadium. The match concluded at 3:33 a.m. on Wednesday, making it the latest-finishing match in US Open history. Alcaraz struggled with unforced errors and physical issues during the contest. Shelton moves on to play Frances Tiafoe in the semifinals.

The Sun Neutral framing Reported

Alcaraz suffers loss at US Open as match lasting over 4 hours finishes at 3.33am

Quick source take

The Sun reports that Ben Shelton defeated defending champion Carlos Alcaraz in a five-set US Open quarterfinal that concluded at 3:33 a.m. local time. The publication highlights the grueling nature of the four-hour and 28-minute match and questions the scheduling of such late-night professional tennis events. Shelton advances to play Frances Tiafoe in the semifinal.

SportsTak Neutral framing Reported

Huge upset at US Open 2026 as defending champion Carlos Alcaraz knocked out after falling to world no.9

Quick source take

SportsTak reports that home favorite Ben Shelton upset defending champion Carlos Alcaraz in a five-set US Open quarterfinal lasting four hours and 28 minutes. The match ended at 3:33 a.m. with a final score of 7-6, 1-6, 3-6, 6-1, 7-6. Alcaraz battled physical issues during the contest, while Shelton advanced to a semifinal match against Frances Tiafoe.

The Guardian Neutral framing Provisional rating

Ben Shelton dethrones Carlos Alcaraz in five-set thriller after latest US Open finish

Quick source take

The Guardian reports that eighth-seeded Ben Shelton defeated defending champion Carlos Alcaraz in a five-set US Open quarterfinal that concluded after 3.30am in New York. The publication notes that Alcaraz struggled physically after a four-and-a-half-month layoff, losing nine consecutive games before fighting back to force a deciding fifth set and tie-break. Shelton ultimately held his nerve to claim the victory, marking the biggest win of his career. Alcaraz expressed pride in his performance despite the loss, while Shelton advanced to face compatriot Frances Tiafoe in the semifinals.

Al Jazeera Neutral framing Provisional rating

Ben Shelton shocks Carlos Alcaraz in five sets to win US Open quarterfinal

Quick source take

Al Jazeera reports on the US Open quarterfinal match where eighth-seeded American Ben Shelton defeated defending champion Carlos Alcaraz in a five-set thriller lasting four hours and 28 minutes at Arthur Ashe Stadium. The source details how Shelton secured the victory in a final set tie-break after a late-night finish ending early Wednesday morning. Alcaraz initially won the first set before struggling with unforced errors and fatigue, though he mounted a comeback in the fourth set. Shelton credited the energetic New York crowd for helping him push through to the semifinals, where he will face Frances Tiafoe.