American Ben Shelton outduels defending champ Alcaraz in latest-ever U.S. Open finish

There’s leaving it late, and then there’s what Ben Shelton and Carlos Alcaraz just served up at the U.S. Open.

The American star ultimately outdueled the defending champion in the latest ever finish at the tournament, a thriller that didn’t finish until 3:33 a.m. in front of a raucous New York crowd.

The five-set victory takes Shelton to the semifinals, where he will face fellow American Francis Tiafoe.

That means there is guaranteed to be an American in Sunday’s final, hoping to end a drought that has seen no U.S. men’s player win a Grand Slam since Andy Roddick in New York in 2003.

Shelton, the No. 8 seed, ended Alcaraz’ 18-match winning streak in Grand Slam tournaments in a clash that lasted 4 hours, 28 minutes. At one point the Spaniard could be seen vomiting into a towel.

The grueling quarterfinal was played under the lights after a day of marathon contests at Flushing Meadows.

The highlight-filled match swung back and forth, with Shelton winning the second and third sets after losing the first on a tie break.

No. 2 seed Alcaraz, who missed most of the season with a wrist injury, won the fourth set 6-1 to set…

Original source: https://www.nbcnews.com/sports