NEW DELHI, SEP 9 (IANS): The 2026 US Open quarterfinals produced some of the most dramatic matches in recent memory, with Ben Shelton stunning defending champion Carlos Alcaraz, Jessica Pegula rallying past Emma Navarro, and Frances Tiafoe mounting an epic comeback to reach the semifinals.
Shelton stuns Alcaraz in marathon clash
American eighth seed Ben Shelton pulled off the biggest win of his career, defeating Carlos Alcaraz 6-7(5), 6-1, 6-3, 1-6, 7-6(10/7) in a four-hour, 28-minute thriller that ended at 3:33 a.m., the latest finish in US Open history. Shelton snapped Alcaraz’s 18-match winning streak in majors, firing a 146-mph ace to seal victory.
Alcaraz, returning from a four-month injury layoff, had dropped just one set en route to the quarterfinals. He was chasing his eighth Grand Slam title and attempting to become the first man since Roger Federer to defend the US Open crown. Shelton, who earlier claimed his second ATP Masters 1000 title in Montreal, advanced to his first US Open semifinal since 2023.
The American will now face compatriot Frances Tiafoe, with both aiming for their maiden Grand Slam final. Shelton leads their head-to-head 3-1, including a win in their 2023 US Open quarterfinal clash.
Pegula battles past Navarro
In women’s singles, Jessica Pegula overcame a shaky start to defeat fellow American Emma Navarro 3-6, 6-4, 6-3 in two hours and 21 minutes. The No. 3 seed advanced to her third consecutive US Open semifinal and fourth Grand Slam semifinal overall.
Pegula, runner-up at the 2024 US Open, showcased resilience, recording her 90th three-set win and 48th comeback victory since 2020. She now faces World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka, who edged Linda Noskova 7-6(1), 3-6, 7-6(7).
Pegula trails Sabalenka 4-9 in their rivalry, having lost twice at Flushing Meadows, including the 2024 final and the 2025 semifinal. Yet, her stellar 2026 season—two titles in Dubai and Charleston, plus five finals appearances—keeps her in contention for the World No. 1 ranking, which she could secure by winning the championship if Elena Rybakina fails to reach the semifinals.
Tiafoe’s epic comeback
Earlier, Frances Tiafoe produced one of the most memorable comebacks of his career, rallying from two sets down to defeat Alex Michelsen 5-7, 3-6, 7-5, 6-3, 7-6(6) in four hours and 38 minutes.
The No. 11 seed erased a 0-3 deficit in the fifth set and held firm in the match tiebreak to secure victory. Tiafoe, who had previously reached the US Open semifinals in 2022 and 2024, became the first American man since Andre Agassi (2002–03, 2005) to reach three semifinals at Flushing Meadows this century.
The match was marked by Michelsen’s strong start and Tiafoe’s resilience. Serving for the match at 5-4 in the third set, Michelsen faltered, allowing Tiafoe to seize momentum.
In the fifth, Michelsen again led 3-0 before Tiafoe clawed back, eventually clinching the tiebreak. The emotional contest ended with Tiafoe consoling Michelsen, who broke down in tears during their embrace.
