Zverev advances at US Open as Shelton ends Alcaraz’s title defence

Alexander Zverev reached the US Open semi-finals with a straight-set victory over Botic van de Zandschulp, setting up a last-four meeting with Karen Khachanov.

Khachanov secured his place in the semi-finals after Belgian opponent Alexander Blockx withdrew because of injury.

The result means Zverev remains in contention for his first US Open title, while Khachanov will attempt to reach the final by overcoming the German in their semi-final.

Shelton ends Alcaraz’s winning run

Earlier in the tournament, Ben Shelton recorded the biggest win of his career by defeating Carlos Alcaraz in a five-set epic lasting more than four hours.

Shelton prevailed 6-7 (5), 6-1, 6-3, 1-6, 7-6 (10-7) in a match that finished at 3:33am local time in New York on Wednesday.

The contest lasted four hours and 28 minutes, making it the longest match in US Open history. It surpassed the previous record, which had seen play continue until 2:50am.

Shelton’s victory took him into the US Open semi-finals for the second consecutive year. It also guarantees an American in the final, as he will face compatriot Frances Tiafoe in the last four on Friday.

The American is seeking to go all the way in New York as the United States waits for a men’s Grand Slam champion more than two decades after Andy Roddick won the US Open in 2003, defeating Juan Carlos Ferrero in the final.

Shelton’s win brought an end to Alcaraz’s 18-match winning streak in Grand Slam tournaments. The American produced a determined performance against the Spaniard, who continued to test him during several crucial stages of the match.

Alcaraz was unable to retain the US Open title. No player has successfully defended the trophy since Roger Federer achieved the feat in 2008.

The result was Shelton’s first victory over Alcaraz. The Spaniard had won all three of their previous meetings, with their most recent encounter taking place at Roland Garros in 2025.

Shelton’s progression adds another significant chapter to his campaign in New York and moves him closer to ending America’s long wait for another men’s Grand Slam champion.