Ben Shelton Expecting ‘Fireworks’ During US Open Clash with ‘Superhuman’ Carlos Alcaraz

Ben Shelton has set up a blockbuster quarterfinal match against defending champion Carlos Alcaraz at the US Open. The home favorite is expecting nothing but “fireworks” during their career’s fourth head-to-head match.

Their previous three clashes ended in the seven-time Grand Slam champion’s favor, with the upcoming match being their first meeting since the 2025 Roland Garros. Before scheduling the match against Alcaraz, Shelton ended the campaign of two-time Grand Slam runner-up Stefanos Tsitsipas.

Alcaraz, on the other hand, eliminated Tommy Paul in straight sets. The only time the Murcia native dropped a set was against Jaime Faria in the second round. Shelton is impressed by the level Alcaraz is playing at even though he had no match practice going into the US Open after a long injury hiatus.

Yes, special tennis. I think the level that he’s been playing at is really, really impressive. To be not playing for five months, to come out and do what he’s done so far this tournament has been superhuman. We’re happy to have him back on tour. You know, he lights up the stadium every time he plays. I think it’s going to be fireworks on Tuesday night. I hope you guys come back cuz I’m ready to go.

Ben Shelton said during the on-court interview

Shelton has already lifted four titles from four finals. He beat compatriot Taylor Fritz at the Dallas Open and Stuttgart Open, Flavio Cobolli at the Munich Open, and Brandon Nakashima at the Canadian Open.

Alcaraz injured his wrist during the Barcelona Open. Prior to the home event, he lost to arch-rival Jannik Sinner in the Monte-Carlo Masters final. It was his third final of the season after the Australian Open and the Qatar Open, where he defeated Novak Djokovic and Arthur Fils, respectively.

Alcaraz is aiming to win his third title at Flushing Meadows. Shelton, however, has never made it past the semifinals, reaching the stage just once, back in 2023, losing to eventual champion Djokovic. He reached another Grand Slam semifinal, this time at the 2025 Australian Open, losing the match to eventual champion Sinner.

Shelton will be playing in a Grand Slam quarterfinal for the second time this season. He made the last eight at the Australian Open (lost to Sinner) but lost in the second round of the French Open and the opening round of Wimbledon.

Carlos Alcaraz on why he isn’t playing golf during the US Open

Last year during the US Open, Carlos Alcaraz traded his tennis racket for a golf club during his off days. At the press conference after his latest win, Alcaraz agreed when a journalist said he is not playing golf this time due to his wrist.

Yeah. I mean, I’ve been really focused on the recovery with my team, with myself, doing the right things, off the court, trying to be healthy and in good shape for the next round. So, those days… if I’m practicing or not, I’m trying to be chill and focus on the next round. So, golf in this year isn’t an option.

If Alcaraz beats Ben Shelton, he will face Frances Tiafoe or Alex Michelsen in the semifinals. Tiafoe ended 2021 US Open champion Daniil Medvedev‘s run in the fourth round, while Michelsen beat Tomas Martin Etcheverry.

No American man since Andy Roddick‘s win at the 2003 US Open has won a Grand Slam title. Taylor Fritz had the chance when he reached the 2024 US Open final, but Jannik Sinner breezed past him.

Last year’s runner-up Sinner is not playing due to a knee injury. But he has already lifted six titles, all in high-profile events, including at Wimbledon by defeating Alexander Zverev.

Also read: Coco Gauff Warns of Tennis Parity After Three American Exits at the US Open