Carlos Alcaraz’s 2026 US Open title defense is over. The defending champion was beaten by American No. 8 seed Ben Shelton in a dramatic five-set quarterfinal at Arthur Ashe Stadium.
Shelton defeated Alcaraz 6-7(5), 6-1, 6-3, 1-6, 7-6(10-7) after four hours and 28 minutes. The match finished at 3:33 a.m. local time, making it the latest-finishing match in US Open history.
The defeat ended Alcaraz’s 18-match Grand Slam winning streak and his bid to defend the US Open title he won in 2025.
For Alcaraz, however, the tournament was also an important return to competitive tennis after a four-and-a-half-month absence caused by a right wrist injury.
Carlos Alcaraz vs Ben Shelton: What Was the Final Score?
The final score was:
Ben Shelton defeated Carlos Alcaraz 6-7(5), 6-1, 6-3, 1-6, 7-6(10-7).
The match was extremely close overall, but it went through several dramatic momentum shifts.
Alcaraz won the opening set in a tiebreak and initially appeared to have control.
Shelton responded strongly, however, winning the second set 6-1 and the third 6-3.
Alcaraz then fought back in the fourth set, winning it 6-1 and forcing a deciding fifth-set tiebreak.
Shelton ultimately held his nerve and won the 10-point tiebreak 10-7.
He ended the match with a 146 mph ace, completing one of the biggest victories of his career.
Why Did Carlos Alcaraz Lose to Ben Shelton?
The biggest factor was Shelton’s combination of serving power, aggressive returns and the ability to maintain pressure during crucial points.
The official US Open report described Shelton’s serve and attacking groundstrokes as major differences in the match. He also became the first American to defeat Alcaraz at a Grand Slam, doing so on the 14th attempt by an American player.
Alcaraz himself highlighted Shelton’s serve after the match.
The Spaniard said Shelton’s serve becomes especially dangerous in pressure situations because it can produce a free point without giving the returner an opportunity to start a rally.
That was particularly important in the fifth-set tiebreak, where a single missed return or big serve can decide the match.
Did Alcaraz Struggle Physically?
Yes, Alcaraz acknowledged that he felt physically tired during parts of the match.
This was his first competitive tournament after approximately four and a half months away from the tour because of a right wrist injury. He had not played a competitive tournament since April before arriving at Flushing Meadows.
Despite that long absence, Alcaraz had looked impressive during his opening four matches.
He defeated Roman Safiullin, Jaime Faria, Wu Yibing and Tommy Paul before meeting Shelton in the quarterfinals. His round-of-16 victory over Tommy Paul came in straight sets.
That made his quarterfinal defeat more surprising: Alcaraz appeared to have rediscovered his competitive form, but Shelton presented a completely different challenge.
Alcaraz’s Wrist Injury: How Did His Comeback Go?
The 2026 US Open was effectively Alcaraz’s comeback tournament.
His right wrist problem had kept him away from competitive tennis for roughly four and a half months. Before the US Open, his last competitive appearance had been in Barcelona in April.
The comeback itself was encouraging.
Alcaraz reached the quarterfinals without dropping a set in three of his first four matches and looked particularly strong against Tommy Paul.
Most importantly, he managed to complete a four-hour-plus Grand Slam match without reporting a new injury afterward.
Following the defeat, Alcaraz said he left the court healthy and proud of his fight, despite being disappointed by the result.
That distinction matters when assessing his US Open campaign.
The tournament did not end with another title, but it provided valuable competitive matches after a lengthy absence.
What Happened in the First Set?
The opening set was arguably the most competitive part of the match.
Both players had opportunities, and the set eventually went to a tiebreak.
Shelton moved to within two points of taking the set when he led 5-3 in the tiebreak, but Alcaraz responded by winning four consecutive points and taking the opening set.
That comeback initially appeared to reinforce Alcaraz’s status as the defending champion.
But Shelton’s response was immediate.
How Did Shelton Take Control?
The second set was the major turning point.
Shelton broke Alcaraz three times and raced to a 6-1 set victory. He continued that momentum into the third set, winning 6-3.
At one stage, Shelton won nine consecutive games, putting Alcaraz under sustained pressure.
Alcaraz eventually stopped the slide in the fourth set.
The Spaniard raised his level, won the set 6-1 and forced a deciding fifth set.
That comeback demonstrated why the match remained so competitive until the final points.
Why Was the Fifth Set So Important?
The fifth set became a battle of nerve.
Neither player was able to establish a decisive advantage, forcing the match into a 10-point tiebreak.
Alcaraz had already demonstrated his ability to recover from a difficult stretch by winning the fourth set.
But Shelton’s serve remained a major weapon.
At 10-7 in the tiebreak, Shelton closed the match with a 146 mph ace, ending Alcaraz’s title defense.
Alcaraz’s Reaction After the Defeat
Rather than making excuses, Alcaraz gave significant credit to Shelton.
He described the American as an extremely powerful opponent and specifically pointed to the serve as one of the decisive weapons.
Alcaraz also said he was proud of the way he fought back in the fifth set and happy that he could complete the tournament healthy after such a long layoff.
That reaction provides important context.
The loss was obviously disappointing, but Alcaraz’s comeback was not a complete failure. Reaching the quarterfinals in his first tournament after a lengthy injury absence showed that his competitive level remained high.
What Does This Loss Mean for Carlos Alcaraz?
The defeat means Alcaraz will not win consecutive US Open titles.
It also ends his 18-match winning streak at Grand Slam tournaments.
But it would be premature to treat the result as evidence of a major decline.
Several factors need to be considered:
- He was returning from a long injury absence.
- He had not played a competitive match since April.
- He reached the quarterfinals immediately upon returning.
- He lost a five-set match that was decided by a final-set tiebreak.
- Shelton produced one of the strongest performances of his career.
The result therefore says as much about Shelton’s level on the night as it does about Alcaraz.
Was This Carlos Alcaraz’s Worst US Open Result?
No.
Alcaraz has already experienced earlier exits at the US Open.
His 2026 quarterfinal appearance still represents a deep Grand Slam run, particularly considering his extended absence before the tournament.
More importantly, his 2026 campaign should be viewed within the larger context of his season.
According to the current player data, Alcaraz won the 2026 Australian Open and Doha earlier in the year, reached the Indian Wells semifinals and was runner-up at Monte Carlo.
The US Open defeat is therefore a setback, but not evidence that his overall 2026 season has collapsed.
What Happens Next for Carlos Alcaraz?
The immediate priority for Alcaraz is likely to be maintaining his physical condition and returning to a regular competition schedule after his wrist injury.
The US Open gave him five competitive matches after a long break.
That is valuable preparation for the remainder of the season.
The key question now is not simply whether Alcaraz can win another Grand Slam, but whether he can return to a sustained run of fitness and competition.
His ability to complete a four-hour, 28-minute match is at least an encouraging sign that he can handle the physical demands of elite tennis again.
Carlos Alcaraz vs the New American Challenge
Shelton’s victory also adds a new dimension to men’s tennis.
Alcaraz had been unbeaten against American opponents at Grand Slam level, with a 13-0 record before the quarterfinal. Shelton finally ended that streak.
The bigger story is that American men’s tennis now has a growing group of players capable of challenging the sport’s biggest names.
Shelton has reached the semifinal, while Frances Tiafoe also advanced to the last four.
The result guarantees an American player in the 2026 US Open final.
For Alcaraz, meanwhile, the loss provides another reminder that the next generation of challengers is becoming increasingly dangerous.
Carlos Alcaraz US Open 2026: Key Facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Tournament | US Open 2026 |
| Stage reached | Quarterfinal |
| Opponent | Ben Shelton |
| Result | Lost in five sets |
| Score | 6-7(5), 6-1, 6-3, 1-6, 7-6(10-7) |
| Match duration | 4 hours 28 minutes |
| Finish | 3:33 a.m. |
| Previous status | Defending US Open champion |
| Grand Slam streak ended | 18 matches |
| Injury context | Returning after right wrist injury |
| Next phase | Return to ATP competition |
FAQ
Did Carlos Alcaraz lose at the 2026 US Open?
Yes. Ben Shelton defeated Alcaraz in the quarterfinals in five sets.
What was the score between Carlos Alcaraz and Ben Shelton?
Shelton won 6-7(5), 6-1, 6-3, 1-6, 7-6(10-7).
Why did Carlos Alcaraz lose to Ben Shelton?
Shelton’s powerful serve, aggressive returning and ability to maintain pressure in crucial moments were major factors. Alcaraz also acknowledged that he was physically tired during parts of the match.
Was Carlos Alcaraz injured during the US Open?
He was returning from a right wrist injury that had kept him out for approximately four and a half months. He said after the Shelton match that he left the court healthy.
What was unusual about the Alcaraz-Shelton match?
It ended at 3:33 a.m., making it the latest finish in US Open history.
What happened to Alcaraz’s Grand Slam winning streak?
Shelton’s victory ended Alcaraz’s 18-match Grand Slam winning streak.
Bottom Line
Carlos Alcaraz’s 2026 US Open title defense ended in the quarterfinals after Ben Shelton produced a remarkable five-set upset.
The defeat ended Alcaraz’s 18-match Grand Slam winning streak, but the wider picture is more nuanced. He was returning from a four-and-a-half-month injury layoff and still reached the quarterfinals.
For Shelton, it was a career-defining victory. For Alcaraz, the next challenge is to build on his comeback, stay healthy and return to the ATP Tour with regular competitive matches.
The US Open may have ended earlier than Alcaraz wanted, but his 2026 season is far from over.
