Ben Shelton and Trinity Rodman (Image: AP and Screengrab)
Shelton defeated Alcaraz 6-7 (5), 6-1, 6-3, 1-6, 7-6 (10-7) in a thrilling fourth-round clash that lasted four hours and 28 minutes and ended at 3:33 a.m. on Wednesday, making it the latest-finishing match in US Open history. After the exhausting contest, Shelton was asked about the people supporting him and said he was hoping his best friend and sister would not have to be at work at 6 a.m. The 22-year-old fired a 146 mph ace on match point, sealing a victory that ended Alcaraz’s 18-match Grand Slam winning streak. Alcaraz had his 18-match winning streak in Grand Slam tournaments ended in a match that lasted 4 hours, 28 minutes, after he fought deep into the night and early into the next morning in a bid to get his hands on the trophy again. 2-seeded Alcaraz said.
“I’m just hoping my best friend and sister over there don’t have to be at work at 6 AM in three hours,” Shelton said. It was a war,” Shelton said. “I mean it was close, it was really close, so I was disappointed I didn’t get the win at the end,” the No.
Shelton, meanwhile, had little time to celebrate after producing a stunning upset against the defending champion. “I’m tired. “Carlos is one of the greatest champions of our sport. It was the most enjoyable match I’ve had in my career, for sure,” he added.