Ben Shelton Advances to US Open Quarterfinals Against Carlos Alcaraz

American tennis star Ben Shelton secured a spot in the 2026 US Open quarterfinals to face defending champion Carlos Alcaraz on September 8 in New York, following a hard-fought 7-6(3), 6-7(5), 6-3, 6-4 third-round victory over Denis Shapovalov and a grueling win against Stefanos Tsitsipas.

The eighth-seeded 23-year-old reached the last 16 at Flushing Meadows for the first time since his 2023 semifinal run, bouncing back from earlier early-round Grand Slam exits at the French Open and Wimbledon earlier this season.

Reflecting on his development following a stunning first-round loss to Virtanen at Wimbledon, Shelton noted how analyzing his early major losses helped shape his tactical and mental growth on the tour.

"I was a little bit shocked because, to be honest. When I look back at the match, I didn't feel that there were many other first-round matches at Slams in the last two years where I've played much better," Shelton said.

Shelton acknowledged that his natural physical attributes alone were insufficient to compete consistently against top-tier opponents across major tournaments.

"I think I'm still a raw talent," Shelton said. "I don't feel I'm really as refined as any of the guys in the top 10, and I feel like I have a lot of tools that are coming along, but not quite there yet."

Despite winning four titles this year, including an ATP Masters 1000 title in Toronto, Shelton credited early challenges at Grand Slams with refining his overall baseline identity.

"I think this is a great way to start the tournament in terms of variety. I've dealt with a lefty, I've dealt with a big hitter, I've dealt with a feel guy, I've dealt with a massive server, I've dealt with a spot server, serve-and-volleyer," Shelton said. "I feel well prepared for what's ahead."

Shelton highlighted how analyzing his mistakes altered his perspective going forward in high-stakes matches.

"It's weird, I think that match did help me a lot. I'm in a way better mental space now with my identity because of that loss," Shelton said. "When I'm confident and feeling myself, I do a better job"

Shelton's father, Bryan Shelton, a former top-50 ATP professional who won titles at Georgia Tech and Florida, serves as his full-time coach after stepping down from collegiate coaching.

"Any player-coach relationship has to be delicate, and it has to be even more delicate when it's also a father-son relationship. My dad does a great job balancing the two and he does a great job knowing when to put on the coach hat, and when to put on the dad hat," he told T&C.

Shelton emphasized that his confidence in his father stems from professional respect rather than just family ties.

"It's really important in this type of relationship that I really respect him as a coach, and have confidence in him as a coach, because I don't just see it as my dad telling me what to do when I'm out there on the court. I see it as a world class, high level coach giving me advice," he added.

His father previously commented on the athletic background of both parents, including Ben's mother Lisa Witsken Shelton, a former junior player whose late brother Todd Witsken reached world No. 4 in doubles.

"We kid around, like which genes is Ben playing with, the Shelton genes or the Witsken genes?" Bryan Shelton told the New York Times. "He's got some good blood running through him, that's for sure."

Following his dad's retirement from collegiate coaching, Ben expressed his gratitude publicly on social media.

"My dad retired from collegiate coaching today. Congrats on everything you've accomplished in your 24 years out there. This isn't a career that's defined by championships and accolades, but by the people impacted and lives changed.

You showed up to work every day and gave a perfect effort. You did things with character and humility no matter the situation. You've kept your faith wherever your life has taken you, and always put your family first.

There isn't a better role model for young men trying to find their way in life. The Gator Nation may have suffered a blow with this one, but we always bounce back. 🧡💙 That being said, the dream team is back together baby‼️ Can't wait to have you out on tour with me, and see what we can accomplish together 🤞🏽🐐"

Bryan Shelton also publicly addressed a 2023 US Open incident where Novak Djokovic mimicked Ben's phone celebration following their semifinal match.

"He wanted to mock Ben at the end. It wasn't something he was doing just to copy Ben. It was to mock him. And that's too bad, for that to come from such a great champion," he said.

Off the court, Shelton has been supported during his 2026 US Open run by his girlfriend, U.S. soccer player Trinity Rodman, whom he has been dating since March 2025.

"I met my girlfriend on Instagram, she sent the first DM," Shelton said, per People.

Rodman recounted her initial message on Kylie Kelce's "Not Gonna Lie" podcast, explaining her straightforward approach.

"Everything I do is just embarrassing. I'm really embarrassed," she said. "I said 'You're sick, fire emoji,' that's it … It worked, he responded within 10 minutes, so I win."

Shelton emphasized that having a partner competing at an elite level in professional sports provides crucial mutual support during intense competitions.

"Having a partner, a girlfriend, who understands all the same things, knows when to support, what to say in tough moments, and is generous enough to enjoy the good times with me and support me in the bad… she is vital in my career. It honestly means everything to me."

He noted that their shared competitive drive helps both of them push their performance further in their respective sports.

"She has become a big fan of tennis, and I've become a huge fan of soccer. We spend time together playing and we are both very competitive. Being around someone who works as hard as she does pushes you to be better every single day."

Shelton's sister Emma, who played college tennis at Florida and works at Morgan Stanley, also attended his matches, prompting Shelton to make a lighthearted request during a tournament press conference.

"My sister's here. She's been here for every match I've played. She's been the lucky charm.

But she has work back in the US starting Monday. She works for Morgan Stanley," he said. "If any of you all have some [connections] and can get her a couple extra days off so she can [stay and] we can keep this rolling, that'd be great."

Shelton enters his quarterfinal matchup against Alcaraz aiming for his first Grand Slam final appearance.

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