How Alcaraz Lost to Ben Shelton

Carlos Alcaraz’s US Open title defense ended with a major upset. Ben Shelton beat the defending champion in a five-set battle.

The match lasted four hours and 28 minutes. It ended at 3:33 a.m., making it the latest finish in US Open history.

Alcaraz Started Strong

Alcaraz looked sharp in the first set. He moved well and dealt with Shelton’s strong serve. He also stayed calm in the first-set tie-break and won it 7-5.

But the match changed soon after. Shelton raised his level and began to attack early. He took control of the rallies and gave Alcaraz little time to settle.

Shelton won the second set 6-1. He then took the third set 6-3. Alcaraz had lost his rhythm, while Shelton grew more confident.

Shelton Took Time Away

Shelton’s biggest weapon was his attack. He served with power and hit the ball early. This stopped Alcaraz from using his normal mix of shots.

His left-handed serve also caused problems. It pushed Alcaraz wide and opened space on the court. Shelton then attacked the open side with his forehand.

This plan worked for long periods. Alcaraz made several errors from the back of the court. He also struggled to find the same power and control that he had shown earlier in the tournament.

Fatigue Hurt Alcaraz

Fitness became another key factor. Alcaraz had only recently returned after a long break caused by a wrist problem. This was also a match that lasted deep into the night.

The long rallies began to take a toll. Alcaraz showed clear signs of tiredness during the match. He even vomited into a towel during a break.

Still, he refused to give up. He raised his level in the fourth set and won it 6-1. That forced Shelton into a final set.

Shelton Stayed Calm

The fifth set was close from start to finish. Both players had chances, but neither could pull away.

The match went to a 10-point tie-break. Shelton handled the pressure better. He trusted his serve and attacked when he saw a chance.

He won the tie-break 10-7 and sealed the biggest win of his career.

Why Alcaraz Lost

Alcaraz did not lose because of one mistake. Shelton’s strong serve, early attacks and smart court play all played a part.

Alcaraz also struggled with fatigue and errors. His fight kept him in the match, but Shelton stayed calm when it mattered most.

The loss ended Alcaraz’s 18-match Grand Slam winning streak. For Shelton, it was a huge step forward. He now moves into the US Open semi-finals with real belief.