Defending Champion Carlos Alcaraz Knocked Out Of US Open 2026 By Ben Shelton

Defending US Open champion Carlos Alcaraz has been eliminated from the 2026 tournament after losing to American eighth seed Ben Shelton in a dramatic five-set quarter-final. Shelton advanced to the semi-finals with a 6–7(5), 6–1, 6–3, 1–6, 7–6(7) victory.

Carlos Alcaraz's defence of the US Open title has come to an end after Ben Shelton produced a major upset in the quarter-finals at Arthur Ashe Stadium. The American prevailed in a four-hour, 28-minute contest, ending Alcaraz's 18-match Grand Slam winning streak and securing one of the biggest victories of his career.

Shelton Produces Major Upset

Shelton recovered after losing the opening set on a tie-break and took control of the next two sets before Alcaraz responded to force a deciding set. The match was eventually settled by a 10-point tie-break, with Shelton holding his nerve to complete the victory.

The result represents Shelton's first victory over a top-three opponent at a Grand Slam and sends him into another major semi-final.

Alcaraz's Title Defence Ends

Alcaraz arrived in New York as the defending champion and one of the leading contenders for the title. His elimination means he will not become the first player since Novak Djokovic in 2015 to successfully defend the US Open men's singles crown.

Despite the defeat, Alcaraz's tournament marked an encouraging return after a lengthy absence from competitive tennis following a right-wrist injury.

A Record-Breaking Night

The quarter-final became the latest-finishing match in US Open history, concluding at 3:33 a.m. in New York. The extraordinary finish added another remarkable chapter to an already dramatic contest.

Shelton Sets Up All-American Semi-Final

Shelton will now face fellow American Frances Tiafoe in the semi-finals. The all-American clash guarantees that the United States will have a men's singles representative in the final.

For Shelton, the victory represents a major step forward in his Grand Slam career. For Alcaraz, attention now turns to recovery and the remainder of the 2026 season after a memorable but ultimately unsuccessful title defence.