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Ben Shelton Defeated Carlos Alcaraz at US Open

The seven-time Major champion fell to Ben Shelton in a late-night quarter-final at Arthur Ashe Stadium.

Updated on Sept. 19, 2026 in Tennis

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Ben Shelton defeated seven-time Major champion Carlos Alcaraz in a late-night quarter-final match at Arthur Ashe Stadium during the US Open. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Carlos Alcaraz lost to Ben Shelton in a deciding match tie break that concluded at 3:33 a.m. at Arthur Ashe Stadium. The seven-time Major champion had been just three points away from winning the match before the loss.

Why it matters

The defeat marks a significant exit for Alcaraz, who returned to the US Open circuit following a four-month absence due to a right wrist injury sustained in April. Kim Clijsters has publicly advised the 23-year-old to maintain his positive attitude moving forward.

The match ended at 3:33 a.m. at Flushing Meadows, marking a marathon conclusion for the 23-year-old seven-time Major winner. Alcaraz was three points away from winning the match before ultimately losing in the deciding tie break.

The players

Carlos Alcaraz

He is a 23-year-old professional tennis player from El Palmar who holds seven Major titles.

Ben Shelton

He is a professional tennis player who secured a quarter-final victory over Alcaraz at the US Open.

Kim Clijsters

She is a former professional tennis player who offered advice to Alcaraz regarding his demeanor.

The details

Despite the loss, Alcaraz maintained a visible sense of composure, leaving Arthur Ashe Stadium with a smile and greeting individuals in the corridors. This US Open appearance followed his Career Grand Slam achievement secured earlier this season at the Australian Open.

Timeline

  1. April 2026: Carlos Alcaraz suffered a right wrist injury.

  2. September 2026: Carlos Alcaraz competed at the US Open.

  3. September 19, 2026: This article was published.

  4. Week of September 21, 2026: Carlos Alcaraz competes in the Laver Cup.

Season Trajectory

This quarter-final loss marks a departure from the momentum Alcaraz built after achieving a Career Grand Slam at the 2026 Australian Open. The result shifts the late-season narrative as the player pivots from Flushing Meadows toward upcoming events in the Laver Cup and Tokyo.

The loss prevents Alcaraz from advancing to the US Open semi-finals, ending his pursuit of a title in Flushing Meadows. His focus now shifts to the Laver Cup and Tokyo ATP 500 event, impacting his late-season ranking points and scheduling.

The takeaway

Maintaining composure after a grueling late-night loss demonstrates the professional maturity Alcaraz continues to develop. This mindset will be tested as he transitions immediately into the international tournament circuit in the coming weeks.

What happens next

Carlos Alcaraz is scheduled to compete in the Laver Cup during the week of September 21, 2026, and is slated to travel to Tokyo for an upcoming ATP 500 event.

Further reading

For more information on the latest tournament results, visit the Tennis section.

Source note: This article includes information reported by Tennis World USA.

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