Archive · 7 Sep 2026
Alcaraz Learns Shelton Is His US Open Quarterfinal Opponent
Carlos Alcaraz won his fourth-round match at the US Open.
He beat Tommy Paul in three straight sets.
His next opponent is American player Ben Shelton.
Shelton reached the quarterfinals by beating Stefanos Tsitsipas.
Alcaraz did not know Shelton had won when he entered a live television interview.
Andy Roddick told him that Shelton would be his opponent.
Shelton is known for powerful tennis and played college tennis for the Florida Gators.
This will be Shelton’s fourth Grand Slam quarterfinal.
Carlos Alcaraz reached the US Open quarterfinals by defeating Tommy Paul 6-4, 6-3, 6-4.
Ben Shelton defeated Stefanos Tsitsipas 6-2, 6-3, 6-4 to set up the quarterfinal against Alcaraz.
Alcaraz was surprised to learn his next opponent during an ESPN interview with Andy Roddick.
Alcaraz has dropped only one set in his first four matches after returning from a four-month Grand Slam absence.
Shelton, the eighth seed, will play his fourth Grand Slam quarterfinal and previously trained with Alcaraz.
- Who
- Carlos Alcaraz and Ben Shelton are the quarterfinalists; Alcaraz previously defeated Tommy Paul, while Shelton defeated Stefanos Tsitsipas.
- What
- Ben Shelton will face Carlos Alcaraz in the US Open 2026 men’s singles quarterfinals.
- When
- At the US Open 2026, after both players won their fourth-round matches.
- Where
- The tournament is the US Open; Shelton defeated Tsitsipas on Arthur Ashe Stadium.
- Why
- Shelton advanced by defeating Tsitsipas, while Alcaraz advanced by beating Paul.
- Quarterfinal matchup
- Carlos Alcaraz vs Ben Shelton
- Alcaraz’s fourth-round result
- Defeated Tommy Paul 6-4, 6-3, 6-4
- Shelton’s fourth-round result
- Defeated Stefanos Tsitsipas 6-2, 6-3, 6-4
- Shelton’s seeding
- Eighth seed
- Alcaraz’s recent Grand Slam record
- Dropped one set in his first four matches
- Shelton’s prior Grand Slam quarterfinals
- Australian Open in 2023 and 2026, and Wimbledon in 2025
- Interview setting
- ESPN live interview with Andy Roddick