Benjamin Shelton Stuns Defending Champion Carlos Alcaraz in Epic Four-and-a-Half-Hour US Open Quarterfinal Thriller
American tennis sensation Benjamin Shelton delivered the biggest upset of the tournament, stunning defending champion Carlos Alcaraz of Spain in a grueling, four-and-a-half-hour marathon quarterfinal clash that concluded at 3:33 a.m. local time, marking the latest-ending match in US Open history. Playing under the midnight lights in New York, the 23-year-old American displayed incredible resilience and firepower to overcome the Spanish powerhouse 6-7(5), 6-1, 6-3, 1-6, 7-6(10-7).
Despite returning impressively from a five-month layoff due to a wrist injury, Alcaraz struggled with consistency in the latter stages, racking up 53 unforced errors that ultimately broke his unblemished 13-0 career record against American opponents in Grand Slam tournaments.Shelton Sets Up All-American Semifinal ClashReflecting on the most significant victory of his professional career, Benjamin Shelton paid tribute to his opponent, noting that sharing the court with one of the sport's greatest champions was an unforgettable experience.Breaking the historic barrier against Alcaraz, Shelton advances to the semi-finals, where he will face 11th-seeded compatriot Frances Tiafoe. Tiafoe scripted an equally dramatic comeback earlier, rallying from two sets down to defeat fellow American Alex Michelson 5-7, 3-6, 7-5, 6-3, 7-6(10-6). This blockbuster encounter guarantees an American finalist in the men's singles division, igniting tremendous excitement among home fans at Flushing Meadows.Aryna Sabalenka and Jessica Pegula Advance in Women's SinglesMeanwhile, the women's singles draw witnessed equally gripping drama as reigning champion Aryna Sabalenka kept her title defense and world ranking aspirations alive with a courageous victory over 21-year-old Czech rising star Linda Noskova.Facing a steep deficit in a high-stakes battle, Sabalenka mounted a stellar comeback to triumph 7-6(1), 3-6, 7-6(10-7) and stay on track for a third consecutive US Open crown. In the semi-finals, Sabalenka will square off against third-seeded American Jessica Pegula, who fought past compatriot Emma Navarro 3-6, 6-4, 6-3, setting up a blockbuster finish to the final weekend of Grand Slam action.
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