Shelton upsets Alcaraz in record-breaking US Open marathon

Shelton's 6-7 (5/7), 6-1, 6-3, 1-6, 7-6 (10/7) triumph over the Spanish top seed at Flushing Meadows extended deep into the early morning hours, shattering the previous record for the tournament's latest finish. The grueling contest showcased contrasting tennis from both players, with Shelton's aggressive play overwhelming Alcaraz in the middle sets before the defending champion mounted a fourth-set comeback to force a decisive fifth.

The marathon fifth set saw both competitors pushed to their limits, ultimately decided by a tiebreaker that required extra points to determine a winner. Shelton's breakthrough performance came after years of pursuit against Alcaraz, who had dominated their previous encounters. The American's persistence through the ungodly hours demonstrated the physical and mental demands of professional tennis at its highest level.

The match duration and late finish raised questions about player welfare and scheduling practices at major tournaments, as competitors face grueling schedules with minimal recovery time between matches. The record-breaking encounter underscores ongoing debates within professional tennis about match length and tournament format, particularly regarding night sessions that routinely extend into the following day.