Preview: Carlos Alcaraz vs Ben Shelton prediction, betting tips & odds, head-to-head: US Open 2026
Carlos Alcaraz makes 15th major quarter-final, set to take on Ben Shelton for the fourth time
Defending champion Carlos Alcaraz of Spain produced a statement win against USA’s Tommy Paul, winning 6-4, 6-3, 6-4 on Sunday afternoon at the ongoing US Open. The defending champion has dropped just one set in New York after taking down the home favourite in two hours, 23 minutes.
Alcaraz leads Paul 7-2 in their head-to-head and has won six straight against the American. It was an outing to forget for Paul, as he has now lost to Alcaraz at all four Grand Slams.
The 23-year-old Spaniard broke Paul’s serve thrice en route to a victory that featured 33 winners to his opponent’s 18. Alcaraz is through to his 15th Grand Slam quarter-final, where he will face another American, Ben Shelton.
Shelton, the No. 8 seed, earned himself a blockbuster showdown with Alcaraz in the last eight after a comfortable 6-2, 6-3, 6-4 win over former World No. 3 Stefanos Tsitsipas of Greece.
The American knocked out the Greek on Sunday evening, converting four of six break points and hitting 32 winners to Tsitsipas’ six. After three successive four-setters, Shelton raised his game a notch to oust Tsitsipas in an hour and 51 minutes.
The 23-year-old Shelton was a US Open semi-finalist in 2023 and will play his sixth quarter-final in majors.
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Match Details
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- Tournament: US Open 2026
- Round: Quarter-final
- Date: September 8
- Venue: New York, United States of America
- Surface: Hard
Preview
Alcaraz and Shelton have not clashed since last year’s French Open as they prepare to renew their rivalry on Tuesday. The duo posted impressive fourth-round wins to make the last eight. The Spaniard has hit the ground running despite not playing a match since April.
Alcaraz has won all three of his previous head-to-head matches against Shelton. He is also on an 18-match winning streak at majors, a personal best stretching back to his 2025 US Open victory.
Shelton made quick work of Tsitsipas in the shortest men’s match of the day in just under two hours. The southpaw is now only the fourth American left-hander to reach multiple US Open quarter-finals.
Form
- Carlos Alcaraz: W-W-W-W-L
- Ben Shelton: W-W-W-W-L
Head-to-head record
- Matches: 3
- Carlos Alcaraz: 3
- Ben Shelton: 0
Stats
Carlos Alcaraz:
- Alcaraz has a 26-3 win-loss record in the 2026 season.
- Alcaraz has a 28-3 win-loss record at the US Open.
- Alcaraz has won 78% of matches played on hard courts.
Ben Shelton:
- Shelton has a 36-13 win-loss record in the 2026 season.
- Shelton has a 13-4 win-loss record at the US Open.
- Shelton has won 64% of matches played on hard courts.
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Carlos Alcaraz vs Ben Shelton: Betting tips and odds
- Moneyline: Alcaraz: -270, Shelton +290.
- Spread: Alcaraz -4.5 (+100), Shelton +4.5 (-10).
- Total Sets: Over 39.5 (+100), Under 39.5 (-110).
- First Set Winner: Alcaraz -200, Shelton +175.
Match Prediction
Shelton knows it will take something special to get the better of Alcaraz if he is to make his second semi-final at home. He resorted to his brand of first-strike tennis to subdue Tsitsipas in the fourth round.
The American brings one of the biggest serves and forehands in the sport to the contest, but will it be enough to halt Alcaraz? Shelton forced their last match in Roland Garros into four sets, – a first that included a tie-break – but still ended up on the losing side.
Shelton is looking to become the first American to win the US Open since Andy Roddick in 2003. A lot rests on the Atlanta native’s shoulders after Taylor Fritz’s exit. Fritz lost out in a gruelling five-setter with Argentina’s Francisco Cerundolo.
Alcaraz’s key to the quarterfinals lies in producing winners from impossible positions and his trademark drop shots, speed and variety to keep his opponents on the back foot.
Result: Alcaraz to win in straight sets.
Where and how to watch the live telecast and streaming of Carlos Alcaraz vs Ben Shelton quarter-final match at the US Open 2026?
The quarter-final match between Carlos Alcaraz and Ben Shelton will stream live for Indian viewers on Jio Hotstar. ESPN will broadcast the event live in the United States. In the United Kingdom, Sky Sports takes over broadcasting duties.
How many times has Carlos Alcaraz won the US Open singles title?
Carlos Alcaraz is a two-time US Open singles champion — 2022 and 2025.
What is the head-to-head record between Carlos Alcaraz and Ben Shelton?
Carlos Alcaraz and Ben Shelton have faced each other three times, with Alcaraz winning on every occasion.
Where to watch the Carlos Alcaraz vs Ben Shelton US Open 2026 clash in India.
The quarter-final US Open 2026 match between Carlos Alcaraz and Ben Shelton will stream live for Indian viewers on Jio Hotstar and air on Star Sports.
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