The final scoreline of 6-7 (5), 6-1, 6-3, 1-6, 7-6 (10-7) saw Shelton snap Alcaraz’s 18-match winning streak in
A Landmark Victory and Semifinal Showdown
Shelton’s victory marks his third appearance in a major semifinal, following previous runs at the 2023 US Open and the 2025 Australian Open. The American seized momentum mid-match, stringing together nine consecutive games between the second and third sets to take control. Alcaraz, competing in his first tournament since April following a right wrist injury, showed resilience throughout the battle, even pushing through physical distress before the final set.
The result carries significant historical weight for American
Statistical Milestones and Tournament Context
The defeat was a rare occurrence for Alcaraz, who had previously maintained a perfect 25-0 record at the US Open when winning the opening set. Additionally, his 12-match winning streak in five-setters—which had tied him with Björn Borg for the longest in the Open era—came to an end. Shelton’s achievement also marked the first time an American has defeated a defending US Open champion in a five-set match since Pete Sampras overcame Mats Wilander in 1989.
The tournament continues its trend of producing new champions, as no man has successfully defended the US Open title since Roger Federer’s five-year reign ended in 2008. With Alcaraz eliminated, the streak of 18 consecutive years without a repeat champion at Flushing Meadows remains intact.
