Ben Shelton, just 23 years old, pulled off an absolutely epic win over defending champion Carlos Alcaraz in a US Open quarter-final that officially wrapped up at 3:33 AM on Wednesday morning. Seriously, you read that right: 3:33 AM!
The Latest Ever Finish, By Far
This wasn’t just a match, it was an endurance test, a proper graveyard shift at the US Open. It kicked off Tuesday night and stretched deep into Wednesday morning, ending with Shelton firing his seventh ace of the night out wide for the victory. That 3:33 AM clock reading on Arthur Ashe Stadium? That’s the latest-ever finish at the US Open, and get this, the fifth-latest finish in grand slam history. The kid showed he can absolutely hang around late!
What This Win Actually Means For The Title
Shelton’s five-set triumph isn’t just a personal milestone; it means there’s a real, tangible chance of an American man winning the US Open for the first time since 2003. Talk about high stakes and a potential drought-breaker! After he took down Alcaraz, he embraced him at the net, then pumped his fists and let out a primal scream toward his coach’s box. You know, the zoomies! Then, he looked to the stands, gesturing to his mother and his girlfriend, soccer star Trinity Rodman. In his on-court interview, the first thing he did was ask for his sister, Emma, to get the day off, considering she spent the entire night and early morning watching her little brother play. What a moment!
So, what’s next for Shelton after this history-making victory? He’s now squarely in the conversation for that elusive American title. Keep your eyes peeled, because if he can survive a 3:33 AM finish against the defending champ, who knows how far he can go!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by The Guardian.
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