Carlos Alcaraz beaten in latest ever US Open finish
· The South African
Ben Shelton stunned defending champion Carlos Alcaraz in an epic US Open quarter-final that ended at 03:34 on Wednesday, breaking the record for the latest finish in Flushing Meadows history.
The big-hitting Shelton won 6-7 (5/7), 6-1, 6-3, 1-6, 7-6 (10/7) on Arthur Ashe stadium in a 4 hour 28 minute classic, ending the Spaniard’s hopes of retaining his title in his first tournament back after a four-month injury absence.
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All-American semi-final
Shelton will have an all-American last-four meeting with Frances Tiafoe, who came from two sets down to beat compatriot Alex Michelsen 5-7, 3-6, 7-5, 6-3, 7-6 (10/6) in another match that went the full distance.
It ensures a US player will be in the final – no American man has won the US Open since Andy Roddick in 2003.
“It’s incredible,” said Shelton as he thanked the New York crowd for staying so late.
“I always say that this is the greatest sports city in the world. I say that this is the greatest stadium in the world.
“To be here in front of you guys tonight is an absolute honour.
“Sharing the court with Carlos is an absolute honour, and I cherish every moment that I have out here.”
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Carlos Alcaraz was disappointed to go out but also happy with his performance following the long injury layoff.
“I’m just proud about myself, about how I fought,” he said, calling his opponent “a beast” physically.
“Shelton is an unbelievable player, powerful. He just managed how to play really, really well in every situation, so credit to him,” he said.
‘Hell of a player’
American 11th seed Tiafoe also came back from the brink after Michelsen, ranked 46th, served for the match at 5-4 in the third.
“He gave me some gifts, a couple of double faults there,” Tiafoe said.
“But then I slowly started to get my rhythm there, snuck out third set and slowly started playing better and better.
“But he is a hell of a player,” Tiafoe added of Michelsen, who wept in Tiafoe’s arms as they met at the net after 4 hours 38 minutes.
“He should have easily won today.”
By Garrin Lambley © Agence France-Presse