Sachin Tendulkar Praises Ben Shelton After Stunning US Open Win Over Carlos Alcaraz

Indian cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar was left impressed by the quality and intensity of the US Open 2026 quarter-final between American Ben Shelton and defending champion Carlos Alcaraz. Tendulkar praised the contest after Shelton produced a remarkable performance to eliminate the Spanish star in a dramatic five-set encounter.

Shelton prevailed 6-7(5), 6-1, 6-3, 1-6, 7-6(10-7) in a marathon battle that lasted four hours and 28 minutes. The contest stretched into the early hours of Wednesday in New York, finally ending at 3:33 a.m. local time, making it the latest-finishing match in US Open history.

Reacting to the contest, Tendulkar expressed his admiration for the level of tennis produced by the two players. His reaction reflected the excitement surrounding a match that featured momentum swings, powerful serving and a fiercely contested deciding set.

Alcaraz appeared to have the advantage after taking the opening set in a tight tiebreak. However, Shelton responded emphatically, taking control of the second and third sets. The American’s aggressive game and powerful serve repeatedly put pressure on the defending champion. The Spaniard refused to surrender and fought back strongly in the fourth set, forcing the contest into a deciding fifth set. Neither player was able to establish a decisive advantage during the final set, leading to a match tiebreak that ultimately determined the winner.

Shelton maintained his composure in the crucial moments and secured one of the biggest victories of his career. The result ended Alcaraz’s title defence and brought an end to his impressive Grand Slam winning run. The match was also physically demanding for Alcaraz, who struggled at points during the lengthy contest. Despite his difficulties, the 23-year-old continued fighting and managed to force a deciding set before Shelton finally completed the upset.

Shelton’s victory has also strengthened American hopes at the tournament. He will now meet compatriot Frances Tiafoe in the semi-final, guaranteeing an American presence in the final. The all-American clash has generated fresh excitement among home supporters, with both players seeking to end a long wait for an American men’s Grand Slam singles champion. Shelton’s resilience against one of the game’s leading young stars turned the quarter-final into one of the most memorable matches of the tournament, earning widespread appreciation from fans and sporting figures alike.