Carlos Alcaraz To Face Ben Shelton In US Open Quarter-Finals

Carlos Alcaraz

Alcaraz Vs Shelton is only top-10 match before US Open final in wide open draw. Shelton confident he can challenge Alcaraz more than at Roland Garros in US Open QF.

 

Shelton expects fireworks as home crowd backs him against Alcaraz A

at US Open...

Ben Shelton says Carlos Alcaraz looks “truly impressive” right now, but the American is ready to test himself against the seven-time Grand Slam winner in the US Open quarter-finals.

“I think he's playing extremely high level,” Shelton said of Alcaraz, who is defending his title after missing four and a half months with a right wrist injury.

“To me, he looks very normal - his normal, I mean, which is impressive after not playing for five months,” the American added.

“I'm excited for the battle. Never played him here in New York, and obviously in the position that I want to be in.”

The Spaniard has beaten Shelton in all three of their previous matches, including at the French Open in 2025. However, Shelton feels he is a better player now and ready to challenge him.

“I thought I played a good match in Paris, but I think I'm serving better, returning much better,” Shelton said.

“I think my shot tolerance from the baseline, overall quality from the baseline, and my movement have improved.

“It's definitely going to be a different match playing here.”

Alcaraz has improved with every match and reached the quarter-finals in strong form.

He says he has made gains not just with his shots, but also in his understanding of the game.

Statement of intent.

Carlos Alcaraz is determined to defend his title 🏆 pic.twitter.com/4jJbkXWNEb

— US Open Tennis (@usopen) September 6, 2026

His draw knowledge let him down, though. After beating Tommy Paul in round four, Alcaraz said he expected to face either Frances Tiafoe or Daniil Medvedev next. Andy Roddick, a former US Open champion, corrected him during a TV interview.

The 23-year-old became the youngest man to complete a career Grand Slam with his Australian Open title in January. He still sees his serve as a weak spot in his game.

He is hoping his new return approach can trouble Shelton, who powered past Stefanos Tsitsipas in the fourth round with a dominant display on serve.

“I'm trying to make them think a little bit,” Alcaraz said of changing up his return position. “In a way, you're putting pressure on him.”

  

With world No. 1 Jannik Sinner injured and Novak Djokovic, No. 3 seed Felix Auger-Aliassime and French Open finalist Flavio Cobolli all out early, the draw has opened up. The Alcaraz-Shelton quarter-final is now the only possible match between top-10 players before the final.

Fireworks are cued for Shelton 🆚 Alcaraz 🎆 pic.twitter.com/4tzgrgefDg

— US Open Tennis (@usopen) September 7, 2026

  

Shelton says he’s expecting fireworks.

 

Alcaraz, a crowd favorite in New York since winning his first major here in 2022, knows the fans will be behind Shelton on Tuesday. 

“I think he uses the crowd, the people behind him, especially when he's playing here at home.”