Alcaraz and Shelton Conjure This Thrilling “Point for the Ages”

By Richard Pagliaro | Wednesday, September 9, 2026
Photo credit: Jon Buckle/ROLEX

NEW YORK—It was rush hour on Arthur Ashe Stadium.

Carlos Alcaraz and Ben Shelton careened all over the court conjuring an insanely entertaining exchange during tonight’s US Open quarterfinal clash. ESPN analyst and Hall of Famer John McEnroe called “a point for the ages.”

Two points into the opening-set tiebreaker, the pair produced this pulsating rollercoaster ride of a point that evoked rousing ovation from the more than 23,000 fans packed into Ashe Stadium.

“One of the all time great points you’ll see,” McEnroe said. “What a point that was—a point for the ages.”

Watch the shotmaking duel escalate to the point where Alcaraz hurled himself at the one lob crashing to the court then popping up with the wide grin of a man who’d like to do it all again.

This. Point!

And it's only the first set! pic.twitter.com/7H6gIajlyR

— US Open Tennis (@usopen) September 9, 2026

Tennis at its highest level 🤩 pic.twitter.com/3APrDJBaLg

— US Open Tennis (@usopen) September 9, 2026

Despite losing that dizzying point, Alcaraz climbed off the court to win the first set with this flashy set point.

What a way for Carlos to win the first set.

This match is 🔥 pic.twitter.com/rm7B7WFlqt

— US Open Tennis (@usopen) September 9, 2026