Ben Shelton, the eighth seed, dispatched Stefanos Tsitsipas 6-2, 6-4, 6-4 in the fourth round of the US Open 2026. The 23-year-old American claimed his first career victory over the Greek and reached the quarterfinals in just one hour and 51 minutes.
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A dominant serving display
Shelton gave Tsitsipas no breathing room on Arthur Ashe Stadium. From the opening set, the American seized control of the rallies with his devastating serve, an asset that suffocated every resistance attempt from the two-time Grand Slam finalist. At 6-2, 5-2 in the second set, Tsitsipas called for the tournament medical staff, a sign of a player struggling physically as much as tactically. The 28-year-old Greek, ranked 53rd in the world, never found an answer to the pace and intensity of his opponent.
A flawless closing act
In the third set, Shelton maintained relentless pressure. A break earned at 1-1 when Tsitsipas netted a backhand was enough to seal the outcome. Shelton then held serve with authority through to the finish, not facing a single break point in the final set. A clinical performance that confirms the American's surging form at this tournament.
A quarterfinal date with the defending champion
Shelton will face Carlos Alcaraz, the defending champion and second seed, who dismissed fellow American Tommy Paul 6-4, 6-3, 6-4 earlier in the day. The Shelton-Alcaraz showdown promises a spectacle of power and youth between two 23-year-olds who represent the new generation of men's tennis. For Shelton, a semifinalist at Flushing Meadows in 2023 where he fell to Novak Djokovic in straight sets, this is the chance to prove he belongs among the very best. The American has steadily improved his movement and return game this season, two areas that could prove decisive against Alcaraz's all-court brilliance. (Sources: ATP Tour, Tennis Tonic)
