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7 clusters · 302 sources · 26 days · First seen · Last updated

US Open 2026: Shelton upsets Alcaraz amid scheduling outcry

Overview

The 2026 US Open men’s semifinals will feature an all-American matchup between Ben Shelton and Frances Tiafoe. Shelton secured his place following a nearly five-hour upset of defending champion Carlos Alcaraz, winning 6-7(5), 6-1, 6-3, 1-6, 7-6(10-7). The match concluded at approximately 3:33 AM local time, marking the latest finish in the tournament’s 145-year history. This result ended Alcaraz’s 18-match Grand Slam winning streak and guarantees a U.S. representative in the final for the first time since 2024.

The upcoming semifinal between Shelton and Tiafoe is historic as the first time two Black American men will face each other at this stage of the tournament, guaranteeing a Black American finalist for the first time since Arthur Ashe in 1972. The other men’s semifinal will see world number one Alexander Zverev face Karen Khachanov, while Elena Rybakina and Aryna Sabalenka have advanced in the women’s draw. Sabalenka remains in contention for her third consecutive US Open title following a victory over Linda Noskova.

The record-breaking late finish has intensified criticism regarding athlete welfare. Martina Navratilova stated, “This is not right and it is not normal,” and Alcaraz’s physical trainer, Alberto Lledó, warned that late starts are “not healthy for the health of an athlete.”

In response to the backlash, USTA CEO Craig Tiley defended the current format, noting it provides significant entertainment value and arguing that organizers cannot control match durations. While the USTA will maintain the traditional two daytime and two evening sessions, leadership plans to implement infrastructure improvements at the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, including expanded fan spaces, additional screens, and increased shade and seating.

Entities

Carlos Alcaraz · Ben Shelton · USTA · Arthur Ashe Stadium · US Open

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

Timeline

  1. [SPORTS] 2 sources
    Ben Shelton defeats Carlos Alcaraz in record-breaking US Open quarterfinal

    Ben Shelton defeated Carlos Alcaraz in a record-breaking US Open quarterfinal that ended at 3:33 AM. USTA CEO Craig Tiley confirmed the tournament will keep its current scheduling format despite criticism.

  2. [SPORTS] 2 sources
    USTA maintains US Open match format despite late-night criticism

    The USTA will maintain the US Open's traditional match format despite complaints about late-night finishes following marathon matches like Ben Shelton's victory over Carlos Alcaraz.

  3. [SPORTS] 15 sources
    US Open faces scheduling backlash after historic late-night match

    The US Open faces backlash over late-night scheduling after Ben Shelton's historic victory over Carlos Alcaraz ended at 3:33 AM, prompting calls for reform from tennis legends.

  4. [SPORTS] 261 sources
    Ben Shelton defeats Carlos Alcaraz to reach US Open semi-finals

    Ben Shelton defeated Carlos Alcaraz in a record-breaking late-night five-set thriller to reach the US Open semi-finals, where he will face fellow American Frances Tiafoe.

  5. [SPORTS] 2 sources
    US Open 2026 features record $108 million prize pool

    The 2026 US Open features a record $108 million prize pool. Carlos Alcaraz leads the betting favorites following the withdrawal of the world number one, as the tournament enters the third round.

  6. [SPORTS] 3 sources
    Bianca Andreescu and Liam Draxl face rain delays at US Open

    Rain has delayed final US Open qualifying matches for Canadians Bianca Andreescu and Liam Draxl, pushing their attempts to reach the main draw to Friday.

  7. [SPORTS] 44 sources
    US Open 2026 begins with record $108 million prize pool

    The 2026 US Open begins in New York with a record $108 million prize pool. Key highlights include Novak Djokovic's 25th title pursuit and the return of Carlos Alcaraz following injury.

Sources

101espn.com · 24-ore.com · 24hod.sk · 2news.com · 7news.com.au · 889noticias.mx · abc7ny.com · abola.pt · actualno.com · adomonline.com · aeusa.org · agones.gr · al.com · alephnews.ro · aljazeera.com · allgaeuer-zeitung.de · ameve.eu · amsterdamnews.com · athletiko.gr · atlantico.net · augsburger-allgemeine.de · banjaluka.com · berita.rtm.gov.my · bhaskarhindi.com · bhaskarlive.in · bigportal.ba · bitcoinethereumnews.com · bleacherreport.com · bolamarela.pt · brandonsun.com · bravosports.net.ve · cagliarilivetv.it · capital.pe · catalunyapress.cat · cebudailynews.inquirer.net · chennaionline.com · closermag.fr · clubmidland.com.ar · codigoqro.mx · confirmado.net · contrapunto.com · corcianonline.it · cottenhamnews.org.uk · cronachedi.it · danas.rs · defector.com · desdepuebla.com · deutschlandsuchtdensuperstar.de

This summary has been updated 36 times: see revision history