Alcaraz was beaten 6-7(5), 6-1, 6-3, 1-6, and 7-6(10\/7) by the American in a four-hour and 28-minute contest that ended at 3:33 a.m. local time, the latest finish in US Open history.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The Spaniard, who was playing his first tournament after a four-month injury layoff, fought back after losing the third set to force a decider. However, Shelton held his nerve in the final-set tiebreak to complete the biggest win of his career.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Reflecting on the deciding moments, Alcaraz admitted that Shelton\u2019s serve created significant pressure, particularly when both players were physically exhausted.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cThe serve is a really good weapon in these kinds of situations. But sometimes you win, sometimes you lose,\u201d Alcaraz said after the match.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The four-time Grand Slam champion recalled his previous experience in a deciding tiebreak and explained how difficult it was to deal with Shelton\u2019s delivery while trying to stay competitive late in the match.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cI remember the last tiebreak that I played was in Paris. It was an unbelievable game that I played in that moment,\u201d he said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cThis time, when you\u2019re trying to fight and trying to overcome all the problems you might have, physically tired a lot, and obviously when he\u2019s serving, he puts a lot of pressure on you,\u201d he added.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Alcaraz said Shelton\u2019s ability to produce free points from his serve made every return an added challenge in the tense closing stages.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cYou\u2019re thinking about trying to put the return in, and it\u2019s unknown if you\u2019re going to play the point or he\u2019s going to get a free point with the serve. So I think in these moments he takes a lot of advantage with the serve,\u201d he said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The Spaniard was quick to dismiss his physical condition as an excuse for the defeat while still recognising the importance of Shelton\u2019s biggest weapon.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cNot any excuse, but I would say it\u2019s an important weapon in those moments,\u201d Alcaraz said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The defeat brought an end to Alcaraz\u2019s 18-match winning streak at Grand Slam tournaments. He had entered the tournament looking to defend his US Open crown and become the first man since Roger Federer to retain the title.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Alcaraz had also been bidding for an eighth major title after becoming the youngest man to complete a Career Grand Slam with his Australian Open triumph earlier this year.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The defeat brought an end to Alcaraz\u2019s 18-match winning streak at Grand Slam tournaments. He had entered the tournament looking to defend his US Open crown and become the first man since Roger Federer to retain the title.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Despite his early exit in New York, Alcaraz\u2019s season is set to continue on the ATP Tour. He is expected to feature during the Asian swing, including the Japan Open and Shanghai Masters, before the Paris Masters, although his recent comments about managing his schedule could lead to changes as he targets a place at the ATP Finals.<\/p>\r\n\r\n