Shelton Defeats Tsitsipas to Set Up US Open Showdown With Alcaraz

Ben Shelton powered past Stefanos Tsitsipas 6-2, 6-3, 6-4 on Sunday to reach the US Open quarter-finals and keep alive American hopes of a first men's Grand Slam champion in more than two decades.

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The level that he's playing at is really impressive. To not play for almost five months and do what he's doing is superhuman and we're happy to have him back.

The eighth seed took control under the lights at Arthur Ashe Stadium, blending heavy hitting with touch and sharp decision-making. The opening set lasted just 31 minutes, and Shelton maintained his authority through the rest of the match.

His next opponent is Carlos Alcaraz, the defending champion. Shelton said the Spaniard had returned from an almost five-month injury layoff in remarkable form and would require exceptional tennis to beat. "He lights up stadiums and I think there's going to be fireworks again on Tuesday," Shelton said.

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He lights up stadiums and I think there's going to be fireworks again on Tuesday.

Shelton joked that his team had threatened to leave if he did not begin the match fully focused. He said he finally found his rhythm and described playing on the tournament's main court as an extraordinary feeling. With a two-set lead, he added a soaring overhead smash before completing the victory with a comfortable hold of serve.

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I was focused, it was a good match from start to finish. It was my first straightforward match this year and I'm happy I can play this way in front of you.