Just In: Fans Left Speechless as Carlos Alcaraz Finally Admits the US Open Made a Big Mistake For of His Match Against Ben Shelton
Carlos Alcaraz has suggested that his US Open quarterfinal against Ben Shelton should have started earlier.
Shelton defeated Alcaraz in a five-set thriller in New York, with their epic encounter at Arthur Ashe Stadium lasting four hours and 28 minutes. It finished at 3.33 am local time, marking the latest US Open finish in the entire history of the major event.
Alcaraz left the court with a smile on his face despite the result, but the ATP superstar has now discussed his disappointment at the scheduling, suggesting that many fans had to leave the all-time classic US Open tie early because of the time.
Carlos Alcaraz suggests US Open schedule mistake vs Ben Shelton
Speaking ahead of his return to the Laver Cup, Alcaraz said of the late-night/early-morning matches at Flushing Meadows: “I think it’s too much. A lot of people stayed, but if that match had started at 7 or 8 p.m., at the maximum finishing at 11, the stadium would have been packed. Nobody would have left. A lot of people had to miss that match because of the schedule, because of the time.”
Those who did stay were treated to a memorable match, with Shelton eventually edging past Alcaraz 6-7(5), 6-1, 6-3, 1-6, 7-6(7). The American went on to reach his maiden Grand Slam final, but was beaten by Alexander Zverev, one of Alcaraz’s teammates at the upcoming Laver Cup.
Matches going long into the early morning were a common theme at the latest US Open, causing plenty of division among fans. Many share the opinion of Alcaraz that it is not ideal or even possible to make it home from Flushing Meadows so late on, while others suggested that such situations are what help make the US Open so great.
Carlos Alcaraz grateful for US Open ‘gift’ after injury
The Laver Cup returns this week, with London’s O2 Arena playing host. It represents Alcaraz’s first tournament since the US Open, which was his first event since the Barcelona Open in April because of a wrist injury.
Now sharing his delight at being able to return in time for the Grand Slam in New York, he said: “I was out for five months without playing an official match. I was struggling a lot during that time, with pain, unsure if I was going to return in time for the US Open. I wasn’t sure if I was going to be able to play normally, if I was going to feel the injury.
“To be able to play four matches at a pretty good level, and then the quarterfinal against Ben, 7-6 in the fifth, it was a gift for me. I enjoyed it so much. I suffered, but I enjoyed it at the same time. That’s why I smiled when I was walking off the court. I missed that feeling.”
It was a very impressive run from Alcaraz, who had previously knocked out Roman Safiullin, Jaime Faria, Wu Yibing and Tommy Paul. He exceeded the expectations of many with his lengthy stay, which could pave the way for a stunning outing at the Laver Cup.
He has already arrived in London for the tournament, playing a first practice session with Zverev. Alcaraz congratulated Zverev on his US Open success when they crossed paths at the signature black Laver Cup court, where he was also embraced by Team World captain Andre Agassi.
