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The defending champion was tested to his limits in his sensational US Open quarterfinal against Ben Shelton. Alcaraz looked physically unwell as the contest dragged into the early hours of Wednesday morning.
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Alcaraz was clearly running out of steam at the end of the five-set duel at Arthur Ashe Stadium. ESPN cameras caught a very awkward moment when the Spaniard looked like he vomited into his towel before wiping his face and continuing the match.
It was a fifth set that would be decided by a 10-point tiebreak, and it came at the right time as Alcaraz and Shelton fought it out. Despite looking tired and suffering from a possible wrist problem, Alcaraz refused to give up.
Carlos Alcaraz Asked Cameraman to Move Away
The physical toll was even more apparent when Alcaraz seemed to request a roving cameraman to step aside while he was in the middle of it.
But there was little privacy for either player, as permanent cameras were set up around Arthur Ashe Stadium as part of the tournament’s broadcast setup. The bizarre situation allowed the audience to see just how challenging the competition had become.
By this point, Alcaraz had already been fighting Shelton for over four hours, and neither was willing to back down under the extreme conditions.
The match finally ended at 3:33 a.m. local time, the latest finish in US Open history. The four-hour, 28-minute match also beat the tournament’s latest match-ending record.
Alcaraz Gave Everything Against Ben Shelton
Alcaraz kept on fighting despite the physical issues. He eventually lost 6-7(5), 6-1, 6-3, 1-6, 7-6(10-7) as Shelton recorded the biggest win of his career.
Carlos Alcaraz throwing up in his towel during his match against Ben Shelton at the U.S. Open.
It’s past 2 in the morning.
He’s giving it his all. pic.twitter.com/hz6908jJPQ
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) September 9, 2026
The outcome broke Alcaraz’s 18-match Grand Slam winning streak and knocked the defending champion out of the tournament. It was also Shelton’s first win over Alcaraz after losing their previous three contests.
The match was a testament to the physical toll that late-night play can take on players during the US Open. Alcaraz, who had just come back from a long layoff with a wrist injury, was reminded of what it takes to play through the toughest moments of a Grand Slam.
Alcaraz’s decision to keep playing well into the night, regardless of the reason for his illness, demonstrated his willingness to give it his all before Shelton put an end to his title defense.
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This story was originally published September 9, 2026 at 1:07 AM.