Alcaraz loses 'Flushing Meadows' title... Sinner continues his run

Spanish world No. 3 Carlos Alcaraz lost his title at the US Open tennis tournament in Flushing Meadows, falling in the quarterfinals to eighth-seeded American Ben Shelton 7-6 (7-5), 1-6, 3-6, 6-1, and 6-7 (7-10). The match, which ended after 3:30 a.m. local time in New York, marked the latest finish in the early morning hours in the history of the US Open, lasting 4 hours and 28 minutes. Alcaraz’s winning streak in Grand Slam tournaments came to an end at 18 consecutive matches with his first loss to Shelton, who is also 23 years old, in their fourth meeting.

Shelton will reach the semifinals in Flushing Meadows for the second time, having done so previously in 2023. He will face compatriot Francis Tiafoe, the 11th seed, who staged a thrilling comeback from two sets down to defeat fellow American Alex Michelsen 5-7, 3-6, 7-5, 6-3, and 7-6 (7-10), after also trailing 0-3 in the fifth set.

Meanwhile, world No. 1 women’s player Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus continued her push for a third consecutive major title, reaching the semifinals for the sixth straight year with a hard-fought victory over sixth-seeded Czech Wimbledon champion Linda Noskova 7-6 (7-1), 3-6, and 7-6 (10-7). Sabalenka needed 2 hours and 22 minutes to secure her place in the semifinals.

The Belarusian player, who will relinquish the top ranking to Kazakhstan’s Elena Rybakina if Rybakina reaches the semifinals by defeating China’s Zheng Qinwen, will face third-seeded American Jessica Pegula in her next match. Pegula advanced to the semifinals for the second consecutive year by defeating fellow American Emma Navarro, ranked 26th, 3-6, 6-4, and 6-3.

The semifinal clash between Sabalenka and Pegula will renew their rivalry; Pegula lost the 2024 final to Sabalenka, and Sabalenka ended Pegula’s campaign in last year’s semifinals.