This US Open 2026 quarterfinal has officially entered record-breaking territory. Carlos Alcaraz and Ben Shelton have now gone beyond the previous record for the latest finish in tournament history, set by Alcaraz himself against Jannik Sinner at 2:50 a.m. in 2022. The clock has now passed 2:54 a.m. at Arthur Ashe Stadium, and the battle is still going.
And Alcaraz is still producing extraordinary tennis despite the late hour.
Carlos Alcaraz vs Ben Shelton US Open 2026 Match Goes Past 2:54 AM
With the score locked at 2-2 in the fifth set, the defending champion produced a stunning forehand rocket down the line at 30-40, finding the corner with perfect timing and pace. It was the kind of shot that summed up the Spaniard’s refusal to let fatigue dictate the contest.
Carlos Alcaraz with a forehand ROCKET down the line against Ben Shelton at the U.S. Open.
That’s not coming back. 🚀🚀🚀🚀🚀 pic.twitter.com/6Ed40Lk9Ub
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) September 9, 2026
The deciding set has become a test of nerve as much as endurance. Alcaraz fought back after Shelton had taken the second and third sets, responding with a dominant 6-1 fourth set to force the decider. The American then made the better start to the fifth, but Alcaraz has continued to fight for every point.
Carlos Alcaraz and Ben Shelton just broke the record for the latest finish ever at the U.S. Open.
The record was previously held by the Jannik Sinner vs Carlos Alcaraz US Open QF in 2022 – 2:50 a.m.
Ben Shelton vs Carlos Alcaraz US Open QF is currently 2:54 a.m. and counting
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) September 9, 2026
Earlier in the night, Alcaraz was also seen appearing to be sick into his towel, just how physically demanding the match has become, late night in New York.
Carlos Alcaraz throwing up in his towel during his match against Ben Shelton at the U.S. Open.
It’s past 2 in the morning.
He’s giving it his all. pic.twitter.com/hz6908jJPQ
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) September 9, 2026
The winner will face Frances Tiafoe in the semifinal. The American had already completed his own marathon comeback against Alex Michelsen earlier in the night, winning a five-set battle that lasted around four hours and 38 minutes.
Carlos Alcaraz-Ben Shelton LIVE Update:
But now, all eyes remain on Arthur Ashe. 2:54 a.m. has passed, and Alcaraz and Shelton are still battling.
Live Score:
