Things can change quickly in the world of professional tennis. Last week, PredictCentr wrote that Carlos Alcaraz had returned from injury in emphatic fashion, defeating his first opponent in the US Open in straight sets. But last night, that time away from the court appeared to catch up with him.
“Shelton upset the defending champion, beating Alcaraz 6-7(5), 6-1, 6-3, 1-6, 7-6(10-7)”
The second-seeded Alcaraz was playing eighth-seeded American Ben Shelton in the quarter final clash in New York, essentially world No.3 versus world No.9 by ATP rankings. Ultimately, Shelton upset the defending champion, beating Alcaraz 6-7(5), 6-1, 6-3, 1-6, 7-6(10-7) in what was a nail-biting match.
What more, the game was the latest finish in US Open History, running into the early hours of Wednesday morning as Shelton rallied from 3/5 in the first-to-10-points deciding-set tie-break. The match lasted four hours and 28 minutes in the end at the Arthur Ashe Stadium, finishing at 3:33am.
This was Alcaraz's first competition back after an injury that had cost him the best part of the Summer. He missed Roland Garros, Wimbledon, and most of the major North American competitions. His 139-day competition break came as a result of a wrist injury.
Some commentators believe his time out showed in his performance against Shelton for the first time in the competition. Alcaraz seemed to rally after an uncharacteristically flat display in the second and third sets, but video seemed to show him vomiting into a towel in the fourth set as the cracks began to show.
As for Shelton, his performance was thanks in part to the fans. "For me, it is always about the people in the crowd. Whether it is my coaches or my team over there, all my friends and family, or even the city of New York that showed up tonight till 3am. With the USA chants until the very end by the crowd, that's what got me the win tonight."
Shelton is now the second-favorite to win the US Open, at around 36% as per Polymarket. Alexander Zverev is the new favorite, coming in at 45%. Importantly, Novak Djokovic bowed out of the competition early, while Jannik Sinner had to retire with a knee injury. The final will take place on Sunday.