> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://courtshark.ai/blog/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # Ben Shelton reaches Alcaraz US Open quarterfinal - URL: https://courtshark.ai/blog/ben-shelton-alcaraz-us-open-quarterfinal/ - Published: 2026-09-07T11:02:01.000Z - Updated: 2026-10-05T21:01:59.000Z - Description: Ben Shelton beat Stefanos Tsitsipas to set a US Open quarterfinal with reigning champion Carlos Alcaraz. - Author: Court Shark Desk - Tags: news, Ben Shelton, Carlos Alcaraz, Stefanos Tsitsipas, US Open, Grand Slam In this analysis 1. [Key takeaway](#key-takeaway) 2. [Shelton reaches the last eight](#s-shelton-reaches-the-last-eight) 3. [Alcaraz awaits on Tuesday](#s-alcaraz-awaits-on-tuesday) 4. [Shelton sees a familiar Alcaraz](#s-shelton-sees-a-familiar-alcaraz) 5. [A different test for the American](#s-a-different-test-for-the-american) 6. [Methodology and sources](#methodology) Key takeaway Ben Shelton beat Stefanos Tsitsipas in straight sets to reach the US Open quarterfinals. Carlos Alcaraz, the reigning champion, awaits after a strong start to his return from a wrist injury. ## Shelton reaches the last eight On Sunday evening in New York, [Ben Shelton](https://courtshark.ai/players/ben-shelton-210097) defeated [Stefanos Tsitsipas](https://courtshark.ai/players/stefanos-tsitsipas-126774) in the fourth round to reach the US Open quarterfinals. His 6-2 first set gave him early control, and he followed it with a 6-3 second set. The final set ended 6-4\. Shelton said he was pleased with a clean performance and with his return to the quarters at Flushing Meadows. Court Shark lists Shelton at No. 6, with nine wins and one loss across his last ten completed matches. That recent run adds context to a match in which he maintained command after taking the opening two sets from Tsitsipas. ## Alcaraz awaits on Tuesday [Carlos Alcaraz](https://courtshark.ai/players/carlos-alcaraz-207989) will meet Shelton in Tuesday's quarterfinal. The reigning US Open champion has quickly moved through a demanding group of opponents in New York after an extended absence with a right wrist injury. His route to the last eight included Roman Safiullin, Jaime Faria, Wu Yibing and Tommy Paul. Alcaraz is pursuing an eighth major title. Court Shark lists him at No. 2, with nine wins and one loss in his last ten completed matches. The test changes now. ## Shelton sees a familiar Alcaraz Before the tournament, Shelton practiced with Alcaraz and watched his early matches. He said Alcaraz has returned close to the standard he usually sets, which impressed Shelton after the Spaniard had been away from competition for more than four months. Their previous meeting came at the 2025 French Open. Shelton said he believed he performed well in Paris, yet he expects the conditions and demands in New York to make this a different contest. That matters here. It will also be Shelton's first match against Alcaraz at the US Open. ## A different test for the American Against Alcaraz, Shelton believes his game has changed since Paris. He pointed to stronger serving and improved returning. He also said his baseline tolerance and movement have progressed. Those gains will face a sharper examination against a player who has already handled four matches on his comeback. Shelton is seeking his first Grand Slam title. Alcaraz is chasing another major crown as defending champion. The American's win over Tsitsipas established the kind of early authority he will want again, while Alcaraz's run has carried him through varied opponents without a long adjustment period. One player will move into the semifinals. Court Shark win probabilities are statistical estimates, not advice. No outcome is guaranteed. In this story Ben Shelton Ranked No. 6 Carlos Alcaraz Ranked No. 2 Stefanos Tsitsipas Ranked No. 75 Article snapshot ยท Not live Continue your research Compare form, explore surfaces and follow live match context. [Explore Premium](https://courtshark.ai/register?redirect=/start-premium)[See what's included](https://courtshark.ai/premium) - Advanced filters and splits - Save your research - Live context and updates Related on Court Shark - [How our match model works](https://courtshark.ai/blog/methodology/) - [Our editorial standards](https://courtshark.ai/blog/editorial-standards/) - [About the desk](https://courtshark.ai/blog/about-the-desk/) ## Methodology and sources How we build model estimates and where our information comes from. Sources and citations Rankings and recent results for the players named come from the Court Shark match database. The story is public tennis news, written up by the desk in its own words. Limitations Player figures are a snapshot taken when the story was written and do not update after publication. About the desk Who writes the Journal and how an article is put together. [Read about the desk](https://courtshark.ai/blog/about-the-desk/) Editorial standards What we publish, what we check and how we decide what is fit to print. [Read our standards](https://courtshark.ai/blog/editorial-standards/) Corrections Spotted an error? Write to hello@courtshark.ai and we will correct it and note the change. [Read the corrections policy](https://courtshark.ai/blog/editorial-standards/)