Shelton Puts Alcaraz to Bed in Latest Ever US Open Finish

Ben Shelton and Carlos Alcaraz didn't just close out the night at the US Open—they nearly stuck around for the sunrise. As NBC News reports, Shelton outlasted the defending champion in a five-set epic that ended at 3:33am Wednesday, the latest finish in tournament history, winning a deciding-set tiebreak 10-7 after 4 hours and 28 minutes on court. The No. 8 seed snapped Alcaraz's 18-match Grand Slam win streak and advanced to a semifinal against fellow American Frances Tiafoe, guaranteeing an American man in Sunday's final and a shot at ending the country's Grand Slam title drought dating to Andy Roddick in 2003.

"I'm tired. It was a war," Shelton tells the AP. "Carlos is one of the greatest champions of our sport. It was the most enjoyable match I've had in my career, for sure." Thousands stayed in Arthur Ashe Stadium to the end of a match that saw momentum swings, a lopsided fourth set for Alcaraz, and the Spaniard at one point vomiting into a towel.