“Massive growth match”: Andy Roddick pinpoints what changed for Ben Shelton in Alcaraz upset
ATPThursday, 10 September 2026 at 04:30
Andy Roddick believes Ben Shelton’s victory over Carlos Alcaraz at the US Open was more than a huge upset, pointing to the American’s mental discipline as the biggest sign of his development. Shelton survived a five-set battle that ended at 3:33 a.m., but Roddick saw a player capable of staying composed when the match reached its most demanding stages.
Roddick went to sleep after the third set and watched the final two the following morning. What caught his attention was how Shelton responded as the match changed, particularly with Alcaraz unable to produce his usual level from the forehand side. Rather than continuing with the same approach, the American recognized the opportunity and adjusted.
The victory sends Shelton into an all-American semifinal against Frances Tiafoe, who had also survived a five-set battle against Alex Michelsen earlier in the day. One of them is now guaranteed a place in the US Open final, giving American men’s tennis a major opportunity in New York.
Shelton’s serve and athleticism have long been obvious parts of his game, but Roddick believes this victory showed another side of the 23-year-old. After more than four hours against the defending champion, Shelton was still making clear decisions when the match came down to its final points.
Roddick sees a different Shelton
Roddick focused on the way Shelton handled the pressure rather than simply the outcome. Against Alcaraz, the American had to remain committed to his plan while responding to a match that repeatedly shifted.
“I think the mental discipline that Ben showed, staying on message, making decisions with clarity — that was going to be necessary against Carlos. And he did that," Roddick mentioned during his podcast.
Alcaraz was playing his first tournament since April after recovering from a wrist injury, and his level was not always at its usual standard. Shelton was able to identify that during the match and make it part of his strategy.
“The Carlos Alcaraz he saw that night was not the normal Carlos. His forehand wasn't landing the way it normally does, and Ben recognized that. He adjusted his game plan based on what was happening in the moment.”
The American also put more pressure on Alcaraz’s serve than Roddick expected, reflecting work Shelton has been doing on his return game. “He’s been working on his returns, and he returned really well. He broke serve more than I thought he would.”
Eventually, everything came down to the deciding-set match tiebreak. Shelton had already spent more than four hours on court, but remained composed enough to earn match point. Roddick then highlighted the weapon that helped him close out the biggest victory of his career.
“That serve, running it into the body at 145 miles an hour — that’s a superpower he has that no one else on Earth has," the former world No. 1 said. “The mental discipline, staying inward, staying on message — that was a massive growth match for Ben.”
Roddick defends five-set tennis after late finish
Shelton’s victory also revived the debate over the US Open’s late finishes. The match ended at 3:33 a.m., while Tiafoe had already gone through his own five-set epic earlier in the day. Roddick understands the frustration, particularly when players, fans and tournament staff are left dealing with the consequences.
“People are complaining about finishing at four in the morning. I get it. You have to get 25,000 people out of the stadium responsibly and another 25,000 in," Roddick said. "I hear a lot of complaining, but I don't hear a lot of solutions.”
Still, Roddick is reluctant to sacrifice best-of-five tennis because of the scheduling problems it can create. The former world No. 1 accepts that five-hour matches can become exhausting, but believes the drama they produce is part of what separates tennis from other sports.
“I don’t disagree that five hours is too much. I’m bored. But I also love that tennis can produce these long four-hour matches. It’s the hardest thing on Earth. If you take that away, can we still say tennis is the hardest sport?”
The previous night made the argument particularly difficult to dismiss. Shelton and Tiafoe had both survived five-set battles, and one of them will now play for the US Open title.
“I understand all the rational arguments. I understand the pragmatists. But did you see what happened last night? It’s the hardest thing in the world. This is why it’s the best. This is why it’s the hardest.”
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For Roddick, the format creates a test unlike anything else in tennis, with two players left to solve each other for hours without the clock deciding the outcome.
“You’re isolated and alone playing an opponent. You’re not playing yourself, you’re not on a road, you’re not against the clock. You’re against someone who is dissecting you and trying to expose you.”
Shelton now has a semifinal against Tiafoe, with six sets potentially separating the American from a first Grand Slam title. “Props to Ben. The mental discipline that both of those guys showed is why they’re in the semifinals. They both have a shot at winning this US Open. They need six sets. Six sets left.”
Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.
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