Ben Shelton stuns Carlos Alcaraz in latest-finishing US Open match

Ben Shelton stunned defending champion Carlos Alcaraz 6-7(5), 6-1, 6-3, 1-6, 7-6(10-7) early Wednesday to reach the US Open semi-finals after the latest finish in tournament history.

How did Ben Shelton beat Carlos Alcaraz at the US Open?

Ben Shelton overcame Carlos Alcaraz in a four-hour, 28-minute quarter-final by winning the deciding-set tiebreak 10-7. The American recovered after losing the opening set and survived Alcaraz's fightback to seal a place in the semi-finals.

Shelton will face fellow American Frances Tiafoe in the last four, boosting hopes of a first American men's Grand Slam champion since 2003.

The match began at 11:05 p.m. on Tuesday at Arthur Ashe Stadium and ended at 3:33 a.m. Wednesday, setting a new record for the latest finish in US Open history.

How did Carlos Alcaraz's US Open title defence end?

Alcaraz entered the quarter-final with a 13-0 Grand Slam record against American men, but Shelton proved difficult to break down throughout the contest.

The seven-time major champion won a tight first-set tiebreak and appeared to have control, but uncharacteristic errors allowed Shelton to race through the second set 6-1.

Shelton then tightened his grip on the match by taking the third set 6-3, leaving Alcaraz needing to respond to keep his title defence alive.

The Spaniard, returning to New York after nearly five months out with a wrist issue, looked flat at times and made too many unforced errors on his forehand.

Alcaraz still managed to force a deciding set as the crowd erupted inside Arthur Ashe Stadium. He and Shelton then stayed level through the first 12 games, sending the quarter-final to a dramatic final-set tiebreak.

What happened in the final set between Shelton and Alcaraz?

Alcaraz vomited into a towel during the break before returning to the court for the deciding set. Neither player could create separation across the next 12 games, leaving the quarter-final to be decided by a match tiebreak.

Shelton held his nerve to win the tiebreak 10-7 and complete one of the biggest victories of his career. The American's win also ended Alcaraz's bid to defend his US Open title.

"For me it's always about the people in the crowd," Shelton said after the match.

He credited his coaches, team, family, friends and the New York crowd for helping him through the gruelling contest, particularly as the match continued into the early hours of Wednesday.

"That's what kept me going, and that's what got me this win tonight," Shelton said.

The American also praised Arthur Ashe Stadium and New York, calling it an honour to share the court with Alcaraz.

Shelton now turns his attention to an all-American semi-final against Tiafoe, with both players carrying home hopes at the US Open.