Defending US Open champion Carlos Alcaraz was eliminated in an epic five-set quarterfinal by Ben Shelton, with the match concluding at a record-setting 3:33 a.m. in New York. Shelton, now heading into an all-American semifinal against Frances Tiafoe, is second-favorite to win the title after his surprise victory. Alexander Zverev currently leads the outright odds, while upcoming quarterfinal matches may further impact the betting landscape.
Defending champ Carlos Alcaraz ousted by Ben Shelton in a five-set thriller
Match ended at 3:33 a.m., latest finish in US Open history
Alexander Zverev now leads the outright odds, with Shelton close behind
Carlos Alcaraz recovers after falling during the men's singles quarter-final tennis match against Ben Shelton on day ten of the US Open tennis tournament at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center
(credit: Getty)
Defending champion Carlos Alcaraz has been knocked out of the US Open by home favourite Ben Shelton in a five-set thriller.
Alcaraz, playing his first deciding set since returning from the injury layoff, appeared to be feeling the effects physically at times, but Shelton held his nerve when it mattered most to complete a stunning 6-7(5), 6-1, 6-3, 1-6, 7-6(7) victory. The result sends Shelton into an all-American semifinal against Frances Tiafoe.
US Open History in the Early Hours
The quarterfinal had already started late following a series of lengthy matches earlier in the day, and the four-hour, 31-minute battle between Shelton and Alcaraz pushed the finish deep into the early hours of Wednesday morning in New York. The match eventually ended at 3:33 a.m. local time, making it the latest finish in US Open history.
An overhead view of Ben Shelton and Carlos Alcaraz hugging at the net after a Men's Singles quarterfinal match on Day Ten of the 2026 US Open at USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center (Getty)
Outright odds shaken up
With Alcaraz out, the Stake US Open outright market has been thrown wide open, with Alexander Zverev now the new favourite at 2.35, narrowly ahead of Shelton at 2.83. Shelton's stunning win has propelled him into second place in the outright market, while Frances Tiafoe is priced at 5.25 after reaching the semifinals.
Player
Outright odds
Alexander Zverev
2.35
Ben Shelton
2.83
Frances Tiafoe
5.25
Karen Khachanov
11.00
Alexander Blockx
44.00
Botic van de Zandschulp
50.00
The market is also waiting on the two remaining quarterfinals, with Karen Khachanov facing Alexander Blockx and Alexander Zverev taking on Botic van de Zandschulp. Those results could trigger another significant reshuffle before the semifinals.
Tennis Writer • 10+ Years as a Tennis Analyst & Betting Strategist
Tomasz Wilk is a tennis analyst and betting strategist with a sharp eye for momentum shifts, underdog value and live markets. His work focuses on delivering actionable insights, match previews, and betting tips across ATP and WTA tours. Combining data and intuition, he aims to help readers stay ahead of the curve in a fast-moving betting landscape.
