Alcaraz vs Shelton: the US Open quarter that New York wanted
Quarter-final, 8-9 September. Alcaraz beat Tommy Paul 6-4, 6-3, 6-4. Shelton beat Tsitsipas 6-2, 6-3, 6-4. They meet next.
Why this one matters: the US Open is still live. Do not write a champion. Write the match that sits in front of you.
Carlos Alcaraz is the defending champion, back from a right-wrist injury that kept him out about four months. He opened against Roman Safiullin 6-4, 6-4, 6-4 and then beat Tommy Paul 6-4, 6-3, 6-4. Ben Shelton, the eighth seed, beat Stefanos Tsitsipas 6-2, 6-3, 6-4 and called Alcaraz's return superhuman. Fireworks on Tuesday night, he said.
If Alcaraz wins he likely sees Tiafoe or Michelsen in a semi. The American men have not had a Slam champion since Andy Roddick here in 2003. That is the air in the building. The match is the thing.
The stakes
A quarter-final that can send a favourite into an American semi, or send New York into orbit.
The rivalry angle
Defending champion versus home thunder.
Players who could decide it
Defending champion, injury return, through Paul in straights.
Eighth seed, home Ashe, Tsitsipas in straights.
Did you know?
- !Alcaraz missed about four months with a right wrist injury.
- !Shelton beat Tsitsipas 6-2, 6-3, 6-4.
- !No 2026 US Open singles champion as of 8 September.
Sources
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