US Open 2026: Carlos Alcaraz vs Ben Shelton, Frances Tiafoe or Alex Michelsen
BBC Sport reports on the exciting possibilities at the upcoming US Open.
Navigating the American Dream
The US Open stage is set for a captivating clash between Carlos Alcaraz and the United States. With three American players remaining in the draw—Ben Shelton, Frances Tiafoe, and Alex Michelsen—Alcaraz’s journey could determine if an American will finally claim the men’s singles title since Andy Roddick’s triumph in 2003.
Alcaraz: A Force to be Reckoned With
The defending champion, Carlos Alcaraz, has dominated their previous encounters, winning all three meetings, including a grueling four-set victory at last year’s French Open. Should he defeat Ben Shelton in the quarter-finals, he will face either Tiafoe or Michelsen in the semi-finals.
American Hopefuls
- Ben Shelton: Earning his second US Open semi-final appearance, Shelton aims to upset Alcaraz and deny the Spanish superstar a place in the final.
- Frances Tiafoe: The 11th-seeded Tiafoe seeks his first Grand Slam final, looking to replicate his momentum from Cincinnati, where he reached the final on home soil.
- Alex Michelsen: Understated yet effective, Michelsen has quietly made his mark, reaching the quarter-finals for the first time at a Grand Slam and admitting to feeling nervous but ready to manage them.
Quips and Quotes
"I think [Shelton] will use the crowd… especially when he’s playing here at home." – Carlos Alcaraz on Shelton’s potential advantage.
"It’s like you’re not even touching the ground… Energy is so high, and it seems like the level of play matches that." – Frances Tiafoe on the electric atmosphere in New York.
Conclusion
The US Open 2026 promises an intriguing battle between Alcaraz and American dreams. With six Americans reaching the last eight this year, the stage is set for a memorable tournament.
