Ben Shelton produced one of the biggest wins of his career at the US Open, ending Carlos Alcaraz’s title defence after a marathon five-set battle. But moments after the American’s memorable victory, his girlfriend Trinity Rodman made sure she wasn’t forgotten.Shelton defeated Alcaraz 6-7 (5), 6-1, 6-3, 1-6, 7-6 (10-7) in a thrilling fourth-round clash that lasted four hours and 28 minutes and ended at 3:33 a.m. on Wednesday, making it the latest-finishing match in US Open history.
Trinity Rodman makes sure Shelton doesn’t forget her
After the exhausting contest, Shelton was asked about the people supporting him and said he was hoping his best friend and sister would not have to be at work at 6 a.m.“I’m just hoping my best friend and sister over there don’t have to be at work at 6 AM in three hours,” Shelton said.That prompted a hilarious reaction from Rodman, who was watching from the stands.“What about me??” Rodman responded playfully, making it clear she was also there supporting her boyfriend during his late-night battle.
Shelton seals Alcaraz upset with 146 mph ace
Shelton, meanwhile, had little time to celebrate after producing a stunning upset against the defending champion. The 22-year-old fired a 146 mph ace on match point, sealing a victory that ended Alcaraz’s 18-match Grand Slam winning streak. Reflecting on the exhausting encounter, Shelton admitted he was running on empty after battling Alcaraz for more than four hours.“I’m tired. It was a war,” Shelton said.“Carlos is one of the greatest champions of our sport. It was the most enjoyable match I’ve had in my career, for sure,” he added.
Alcaraz proud of his fight despite defeat
Alcaraz had his 18-match winning streak in Grand Slam tournaments ended in a match that lasted 4 hours, 28 minutes, after he fought deep into the night and early into the next morning in a bid to get his hands on the trophy again.“I mean it was close, it was really close, so I was disappointed I didn’t get the win at the end,” the No. 2-seeded Alcaraz said.“But I’m happy, I am proud of myself about how I fought. As I said, physically I was really tired but I found a way to push myself.”
Shelton faces Tiafoe next
Shelton next plays No. 11 seed Frances Tiafoe, who kept coming back until he had reached his third U.S. Open semifinal, beating Alex Michelsen 5-7, 3-6, 7-5, 6-3, 7-6 (10-6) on Tuesday.
