Alcaraz leaves US Open with a smile: 'I'm happy because I'm healthy'

Carlos Alcaraz walked off Arthur Ashe Stadium at 3:33 a.m. local time, but his face showed no gloom. The US Open 2026 quarterfinal, the latest finish in tournament history, saw Ben Shelton defeat the world No. 3 with a score of 6-7(5), 6-1, 6-3, 1-6, 7-6(10-7) after a breathtaking 4 hours 28 minutes. Despite the painful loss in the deciding tie-break, Alcaraz emphasized he leaves New York with a positive mindset. This was Alcaraz's first tournament after more than four months off due to a wrist injury. The 23-year-old missed Masters 1000 events in Monte Carlo, Madrid, Rome, and even Roland Garros – where he was the defending champion. Returning at Flushing Meadows, Alcaraz set no title goal, only aiming to compete and stay healthy. 'My expectation was to go there, compete, and being healthy. I leave the court with a smile, healthy – that's what I needed,' he told reporters. The match featured an unpredictable script. Alcaraz won the first set in a tie-break, but Shelton – armed with a booming serve – took the next two sets 6-1, 6-3. Alcaraz was exhausted after the third set but found a way to rally, winning the fourth 6-1 to force a decider. In the 10-point tie-break, Alcaraz led 5/3, but Shelton took 7 of the next 9 points to seal victory. 'I remember the last tie-break I played in Paris (Roland Garros 2026 vs Sinner). This time, when he serves, the pressure is huge. He uses that weapon excellently,' Alcaraz explained. Despite the defeat, Alcaraz leaves New York with a 26-4 season record, including the Australian Open title in January. He remains third in the PIF ATP Live Race To Turin and is virtually assured of a fifth consecutive Nitto ATP Finals appearance. Shelton advances to the semifinals. 'I fought, I'm healthy, and I can move forward. This is the foundation for what's ahead,' Alcaraz concluded. A defeat full of promise. Numbers are just seasoning. People are the main course. Alcaraz showed the class of a champion even in loss.