[REVISION HISTORY]

US Open 2026: Shelton upsets Alcaraz amid scheduling outcry

Updated 36 times since CLSTR started tracking revisions of this situation.

What changed

2026-09-14 12:24 UTC → 2026-09-24 05:32 UTC · added ~~removed~~

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 and~~ spaces, additional ~~screens.~~ screens, and increased shade and seating.

Versions

Only revisions since CLSTR began indexing content versions appear here. Select a version to see what changed compared to the one before it.