The big-hitting Shelton claimed his maiden career victory over the Spaniard with a 6-7 (5/7), 6-1, 6-3, 1-6, 7-6 (10/7) triumph, ending Alcaraz's title defense in his first tournament back from a four-month injury absence.

Record-breaking late finish

Lasting four hours and 28 minutes, the match eclipsed the previous New York late-finish record set by Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner at 2:50 AM in 2022.

Shelton seizes control

Fuelled by the Arthur Ashe Stadium crowd, Shelton erased an early first-set deficit and reeled off nine consecutive games across the second and third sets to seize command.

Although Alcaraz mounted a fierce response to easily capture the fourth set in just 36 minutes, the fifth set remained razor-thin before culminating in a 10-point match tiebreak sealed by a booming Shelton ace.

All-American semi-final awaits

With the victory, Shelton equaled his previous semi-final run at Flushing Meadows and set up an all-American clash against Frances Tiafoe—keeping alive hopes for the first home-grown men's singles champion since Andy Roddick in 2003.