Ben Shelton has revealed that intelligent returning and refusing to panic against Carlos Alcaraz’s biggest serves were the keys to his spectacular US Open victory.
The American produced the finest Grand Slam performance of his career to defeat the defending champion in a five-set quarter-final epic under the Arthur Ashe Stadium floodlights.
Shelton prevailed 6-7 (5), 6-1, 6-3, 1-6, 7-6 (10-7), securing a semi-final showdown with fellow American Frances Tiafoe.
The result represented a major breakthrough for the 23-year-old, who had lost each of his previous three meetings with Alcaraz and claimed only one set across those encounters.
After surviving an exhausting battle, Shelton explained how a disciplined plan on return allowed him to repeatedly place one of the sport’s greatest young champions under pressure.
“I mean, I just returned really well,” Shelton said.
“I thought I was smart with how I went about my return games. I thought I made him play a lot.
“I thought I capitalised on him missing, like, when he missed his spot, and I didn’t worry or stress too much when he hit his spot, you know, with an ace.
Ben Shelton has revealed that intelligent returning and refusing to panic against Carlos Alcaraz’s biggest serves were the keys to his spectacular US Open victory
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REUTERS
“And I think, for me, to be able to hang in there in the rallies, have a game plan from the ground and be able to execute that game plan, not be losing all the baseline points, also helps with the return.”
Shelton’s ability to remain competitive from the back of the court prevented Alcaraz from dominating rallies and gave the American opportunities whenever the Spaniard failed to find his intended target on serve.
That measured approach proved particularly important after Shelton narrowly lost a marathon opening set.
Rather than allowing that disappointment to derail him, the home favourite responded emphatically and moved two sets to one ahead before Alcaraz forced a decider.
Ben Shelton embraces Carlos Alcaraz at the net following their US Open thriller | REUTERS
Shelton eventually held his nerve in the final-set tie-break to complete the biggest victory of his career and move within two wins of a maiden Grand Slam title.
His exuberant on-court celebration reflected the magnitude of the occasion, although he struck a calmer tone when speaking to reporters afterwards.
“Yeah, I’m tired,” Shelton admitted.
“You know, that was a war, an epic match. I mean, so physical, and, yeah, Carlos is one of the greatest champions in our sport already, at 23 years old.
“It’s always fun being on the court against him. It’s ridiculous, some of the stuff he comes up with sometimes, but, you know, the most enjoyable match I’ve had in my career, for sure.”
Shelton had previously suffered defeats against Alcaraz at the 2023 Canadian Open and the 2025 French Open.
Ben Shelton was thrilled after stunning Carlos Alcaraz at the US Open | REUTERS
Yet with a place in the US Open semi-finals at stake, he finally delivered on his reputation as a player capable of challenging the very best.
Attention will now turn towards his recovery ahead of Friday’s clash with the energetic Tiafoe.
Asked whether two days would give him sufficient time to recover from his gruelling encounter, Shelton offered a confident response.
“Two days?” he replied. “Yeah, that’s gonna be all right.”
