A content Carlos Alcaraz says he isn’t disappointed about falling short in his marathon quarter-final clash with Ben Shelton at the US Open.
The world No. 3 was edged out in a fifth-set tiebreaker during what was the first match in history to finish after 3am at Flushing Meadows. Alcaraz was down two sets to one before winning six out of the next seven games to force the match into a decider. He continued fighting in the decider, saving three break points at 4-4, before eventually getting edged out in the decisive tiebreaker. The defeat ends his run of 12 consecutive wins in five-set matches at major events.
“I said before the tournament began, my expectation was to go there, compete and play in these kinds of matches being healthy,” Alcaraz said afterwards.
“It (the match) was close. So I’m just not going to be disappointed about not getting the win. I’m just happy. I’m just proud of myself, about how I fought.”
Alcaraz entered the US Open having not played a Tour-level singles match since the Barcelona Open in April. He had been sidelined from action due to a right wrist injury. Before getting knocked out of the tournament by Shelton, he had scored wins over Roman Safiullin, Jaime Faria, Wu Yibing and Tommy Paul.
“After the third set (against Shelton), physically I was really tired, but I found a way to push myself up and give extra,” he said.
“In the fifth set I just started to feel better but he is a beast. Shelton is an unbelievable player and powerful. He just managed to play really well in every situation, so credit to him.”
Given recent events over the past few months, Alcaraz insists he has no regrets about the outcome of his latest US Open campaign.
“I leave the court happy. I leave the court with a smile, healthy, and this is what I needed.” He concluded.
Since winning his maiden Grand Slam title at the 2022 US Open, Alcaraz has reached the quarter-finals or better in 12 out of 13 majors played.
