All eyes on Americans at US Open

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qtMgccmvm6g

Ben Shelton has sent shockwaves through the U.S. Open, knocking out defending champion Carlos Alcaraz in a dramatic five-set quarterfinal that stretched into the early hours of the morning.

The 23-year-old American defeated the Spanish star 6-7(5), 6-1, 6-3, 1-6, 7-6(10-7) in a four-hour, 28-minute battle at Arthur Ashe Stadium. The match finally ended at 3:33 a.m., making it the latest finish in U.S. Open history.

Shelton, the No. 8 seed, saved his biggest tennis for the deciding moments, closing out the match in a tense 10-point tiebreak. His victory ended Alcaraz's 18-match Grand Slam winning streak and marked Shelton's first career victory over the seven-time major champion.

A Match That Had Everything

The quarterfinal was a roller coaster from the opening set.

Alcaraz edged Shelton in the first-set tiebreak, but Shelton immediately responded by taking control of the next two sets. Alcaraz fought back in the fourth, forcing a deciding set as both players battled through exhaustion.

At one point, Alcaraz appeared to become physically ill during a break and was seen vomiting into a towel. Despite the setback, he continued fighting through the final set.

Neither player could break away in the fifth. Shelton eventually held his nerve in the deciding tiebreak before sealing the victory with a powerful 146-mph ace.

The American Finalist Is Guaranteed

Shelton's victory means the United States is guaranteed a men's singles finalist at the U.S. Open for the first time in more than two decades.

That's because Shelton will now face fellow American Frances Tiafoe in the semifinals.

Tiafoe also survived a five-set thriller, coming back from two sets down to defeat fellow American Alex Michelsen 5-7, 3-6, 7-5, 6-3, 7-6(10-6) in four hours and 39 minutes.

The all-American semifinal is a major moment for U.S. men's tennis, which has been searching for its next Grand Slam champion since Andy Roddick won the U.S. Open in 2003.

Shelton vs. Tiafoe

The semifinal will pit two of America's biggest tennis stars against each other.

Shelton has already reached multiple major semifinals, while Tiafoe is making another deep run in New York after years of becoming one of the country's most recognizable tennis players.

Shelton enters the matchup with a 3-1 record against Tiafoe, but the stakes will be unlike any of their previous meetings. The winner will advance to the U.S. Open final and have a chance to end America's long wait for another men's singles Grand Slam champion.

A Historic Night in New York

Shelton credited the Arthur Ashe Stadium crowd, along with his family, friends and team, for helping him survive the marathon.

The crowd stayed with the American until the final point, with U.S. chants echoing through the stadium even as the clock moved past 3 a.m.

The late finish also renewed criticism of the U.S. Open's scheduling. The tournament has seen several matches run deep into the night, raising concerns about player recovery and the impact of extremely late starts and finishes.

A New Chapter for American Tennis

With Shelton and Tiafoe now set to battle for a place in the final, American men's tennis has suddenly become the center of attention in New York.

For Shelton, the opportunity is the biggest of his young career. For Tiafoe, it's another chance to reach the championship match on one of tennis' biggest stages.

Whatever happens next, one thing is already certain: an American man will be playing for the U.S. Open title.