Shelton Downs Alcaraz in U.S. Open Record-Setting Late-Night Thriller
Ben Shelton defeated Carlos Alcaraz in a five-set epic at the U.S. Open, with the match concluding at 3:33 a.m., setting a record for the latest finish in tournament history. The win ended Alcaraz's 18-match Grand Slam winning streak.

Detroit, MI, September 9, 2026 — In a dramatic late-night showdown at the U.S. Open, American tennis player Ben Shelton has defeated Carlos Alcaraz, ending the Spaniard’s significant Grand Slam winning streak. The match, a grueling five-set contest, concluded at an unprecedented 3:33 a.m., marking the latest finish ever recorded in the tournament’s history.
The victory for Shelton over the reigning champion Alcaraz is a notable upset. Alcaraz had entered the match with an impressive 18-match winning streak across Grand Slam tournaments, a run that was snapped by Shelton’s performance. The specific scoreline of the sets was not provided in the summary, nor was the round of the tournament in which this match took place.
The U.S. Open, held annually in New York City, is one of the four Grand Slam tennis tournaments. Historically, matches at this major event have extended into the early morning hours, but this particular contest has now set a new benchmark for lateness. The impact of such a late finish on player recovery and subsequent performances is often a topic of discussion among athletes and fans.
Ben Shelton, an emerging talent in men’s tennis, secured a career-defining win against one of the sport’s current top players. The details regarding the specific year or previous record for the latest U.S. Open finish were not specified in the provided information. Further context regarding Alcaraz’s previous Grand Slam victories that contributed to his streak was also not detailed.
This match marks a significant moment for both players. For Shelton, it represents a major triumph on a grand stage. For Alcaraz, it signifies the end of a dominant period in major tournaments. The full implications and reactions from the tennis world are still unfolding following this historic encounter.
Story summarized from the original created by AP via Scripps News Group on www.wxyz.com, see more information here.
