Carlos Alcaraz's bid for a second consecutive US Open title ended in disappointment as he lost to Ben Shelton in the quarterfinals.
Why it matters: This tournament marked a notable shift for Alcaraz, who had to adapt his outfit after a light-hearted critique from fellow player Eugenie Bouchard.
Alcaraz, the world’s No. 3 ranked male tennis player, adjusted his outfit for the third round after Bouchard pointed out a wardrobe malfunction on social media.
He wore a white undershirt under his sleeveless top during the match against Wu Yibing, which he won 3-0 (6-3, 6-4, 6-1).
The wardrobe change was made after Bouchard joked on social media about the need for Alcaraz to cover up more appropriately.
Alcaraz expressed that wearing the additional shirt made him feel more comfortable, stating, "I felt like I had seen my nipples too much lately. Putting on the shirt made me feel comfortable, and I think I will keep this outfit."
Driving the news: Alcaraz's tournament run came to an abrupt end in the quarterfinals against Shelton, who defeated him in a thrilling match that lasted over four hours.
The match took place on September 8, 2026, at Flushing Meadows, New York, beginning at 11:05 PM and concluding at 3:33 AM, setting a record for the latest finish in US Open history.
Shelton, ranked No. 9, showcased his powerful serve, reaching speeds of up to 235 km/h, which played a key role in his victory.
Alcaraz's defeat means he will not achieve back-to-back US Open titles nor his third Grand Slam title.
This was Alcaraz's first major tournament since returning from a wrist injury that sidelined him for four months.
State of play: The match between Alcaraz and Shelton was characterized by intense rallies and dramatic momentum shifts.
Alcaraz initially struggled with his serve, allowing Shelton to take control early in the match.
As the match progressed, both players exhibited remarkable athleticism, but Shelton's consistency and powerful serves proved too much for Alcaraz.
Alcaraz's loss marks a disappointing end to his title defense, as he had high hopes of repeating his success from the previous year.
The big picture: Alcaraz's wardrobe incident and subsequent loss highlight the pressures athletes face both on and off the court.
Social media scrutiny has become a common aspect of sports, with athletes often responding to public commentary in real-time.
For Alcaraz, adapting to feedback from peers reflects a growing trend of openness among athletes, who are increasingly willing to engage with their fans and critics.
The late-night match also raised questions about scheduling and player fatigue in major tournaments.
What they're saying: Reactions to Alcaraz's performance and wardrobe change have been mixed, with support from peers and fans alike.
Bouchard shared on social media after Alcaraz's win in the third round, "He listened to me!" acknowledging the playful banter between them.
USTA CEO Brian Hainline commented on the significance of the late match, saying, "It’s important to recognize how our scheduling impacts players, especially in high-stakes matches like this one."
Fans expressed disappointment over Alcaraz's loss but praised his willingness to adapt and take feedback positively.
By the numbers: Key statistics from the match and tournament provide insight into the challenges faced by Alcaraz.
The quarterfinal match lasted 4 hours and 28 minutes, making it one of the longest in US Open history.
Alcaraz had a total of 12 aces during the match, but Shelton's aggressive serving led to 15 aces.
Alcaraz's first two rounds saw him winning decisively, but his quarterfinal match marked a stark shift in performance.
What's next: Looking ahead, Alcaraz will regroup and prepare for upcoming tournaments following this setback.
His focus will be on recovery and training as he aims to regain his top form after the injury.
Fans and analysts will follow closely closely to see how he handles the pressure of expectations in future competitions.
The next major tournament on the calendar is the Australian Open, which will test Alcaraz's resilience and adaptability.