> ## 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 US Open Semifinals - URL: https://courtshark.ai/blog/ben-shelton-reaches-us-open-semifinals/ - Published: 2026-09-10T19:01:18.000Z - Updated: 2026-10-05T21:01:46.000Z - Description: Ben Shelton beat Carlos Alcaraz in five sets and will meet Frances Tiafoe in the US Open semifinals. - Author: Court Shark Desk - Tags: news, Carlos Alcaraz, Ben Shelton, Frances Tiafoe, US Open, results In this analysis 1. [Key takeaway](#key-takeaway) 2. [Shelton survives a late US Open classic](#s-shelton-survives-a-late-us-open-classic) 3. [Five-set debate returns](#s-five-set-debate-returns) 4. [Tiafoe awaits Shelton](#s-tiafoe-awaits-shelton) 5. [Alcaraz turns toward the fall swing](#s-alcaraz-turns-toward-the-fall-swing) 6. [Methodology and sources](#methodology) Key takeaway Ben Shelton outlasted Carlos Alcaraz in a five-set US Open quarterfinal decided in a final-set tiebreak. The result sends Shelton into an all-American semifinal against Frances Tiafoe. ## Shelton survives a late US Open classic [Ben Shelton](https://courtshark.ai/players/ben-shelton-210097) beat [Carlos Alcaraz](https://courtshark.ai/players/carlos-alcaraz-207989) in a US Open quarterfinal that went the distance before Shelton claimed the deciding tiebreak and a semifinal place. It was a long night. The No. 6-ranked American has won 9-1 across his last 10 completed matches, adding recent form to a major result at home. The match ended well after midnight following five demanding sets. Both players found answers as momentum shifted, but Shelton was stronger in the final passage. Alcaraz entered the match with an 8-2 record from his last 10 completed matches. The No. 2 player now leaves New York, while Shelton moves closer to the title match. ## Five-set debate returns The marathon quarterfinal arrived soon after Australian Open chief Andrew Abdo discussed the prospect of changing the men's format in Melbourne. The issue has split opinion. Shelton and Alcaraz supplied a forceful case for keeping the longer format, with neither player fading from the contest despite its late finish. Feliciano Lopez supported that view after the match. “Long live the five sets.” His reaction reflected how much the contest offered, even with one player forced out. The format creates room for recoveries, tactical adjustments, and late swings in momentum. This quarterfinal had all of those elements, and it has returned the format question to the foreground. ## Tiafoe awaits Shelton Shelton's semifinal opponent will be [Frances Tiafoe](https://courtshark.ai/players/frances-tiafoe-126207) on Friday, September 11, at Arthur Ashe Stadium. It is an all-American meeting. Shelton holds a 3-1 advantage in their competitive series, so the semifinal brings familiarity as well as a place in the US Open final. Tiafoe's only win over Shelton came in New York. He eliminated Shelton in the round of 32 in a five-set match during twenty twenty-four. That result gives Tiafoe proof that he can beat Shelton on this court, even though Shelton has taken the other meetings. Tiafoe is ranked No. 22\. Like Shelton, he is 9-1 over his last 10 completed matches. Recent results leave little separation in form, while their previous US Open contest shows how extended the exchanges can become. Friday's winner will play for the championship. ## Alcaraz turns toward the fall swing Alcaraz will have around two weeks away from competition before the Laver Cup in London, scheduled from September 25 through 27\. He will return for Yannick Noah's Team Europe. His teammates include Flavio Cobolli, Casper Ruud, Rafael Jodar, Alexander Zverev, and Jakub Mensik. Shelton will play for Andre Agassi's Team World. Taylor Fritz, Tommy Paul, Alex de Minaur, Alexander Bublik, and Learner Tien are also on that team. Another Shelton and Alcaraz meeting remains possible if their sides meet during the event. Both players then head to the Japan Open, running from September 30 through October 6\. Alcaraz is the defending champion after beating Fritz in the final in twenty twenty-five. Shelton has not played the event since twenty twenty-four. Their New York quarterfinal could therefore be followed by another meeting before the season ends. Court Shark win probabilities are statistical estimates, not advice. No outcome is guaranteed. In this story Carlos Alcaraz Ranked No. 2 Ben Shelton Ranked No. 6 Frances Tiafoe Ranked No. 22 Article snapshot · Not live Continue your research Compare form, explore surfaces and follow live match context. 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