Alert at the US Open, sparks will fly between Alcaraz and Shelton: "Explosive, superhuman"

There will be fireworks, the American predicted Ben Shelton23 years old and world No. 9. Sparks will fly in the Arthur Ashe Stadium. The largest fixed tennis facility in the world with around 23,000 spectators. Also the loudest, especially in the night session. It’s a party, an electric atmosphere. Especially when an American player faces the challenge of facing the current tournament champion and universal figure, the Spanish Carlos Alcaraz23 years old and number 3.

“He is a very powerful, explosive player, who here knows how to rely on people, feel supported by his fans,” says the Murcian, who knows well the exaltation that is spread on the court when the level of tennis and emotion grows.

So much Alcaraz like the lefty Shelton They promise a show. They connect with the fans. The local factor gives a ray of hope to the North American, after three defeats in previous confrontations. At the Toronto Masters 1000 2023 (6-3 and 7-6), the Laver Cup 2024 (6-4 and 6-4) and Roland Garros 2025 (7-6, 6-3, 4-6 and 6-4).

Carlos Alcaraz, current US Open championYuki Iwamura / Ap-LaPresse

“We have never played in New York, in the situation that I wanted. I look forward to this battle,” he warns. Shelton. “Since that match at Roland Garros I am more stable, even emotionally,” he points out, not without highlighting Alcaraz’s condition. “We were training before the tournament. I’ve been watching his games. He’s playing at an extremely high level. It’s impressive after five months without playing. It’s superhuman.”

The meeting will close the day on Tuesday in Flushing Meadowswill invade the Spanish dawn of Wednesday. The Americans open at one Jessica Pegula and Emma Navarroand then, around 03:00, the champion of 2022 and 2025 compete against one of the semifinalists of 2023, recent winner of the tournament Montreal Masters 1000 ATP.

Carlos Alcaraz has progressed adequately in meetings with the Russian Roman Safiullinthe Portuguese Jaime Fariathe Chinese Yibing Wu and the American Tommy Paul. The greater the difficulty, the higher the level, as he taught in the second round. With the conviction that he will have more for Shelton.

“What is on my mind is the physical issue of these highly demanding matches, after so long without competing. One bad gesture can change everything,” says Alcaraz, who prefers to maintain the low profile with which he arrived in New York. “We come without high expectations, we continue with the same mentality,” he commented cautiously.

Ben Shelton, right, of the United States, gestures for the crowd to cheer after defeating Denis Shapovalov, of Canada, in four sets in the third round of the US Open tennis championships, early Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026, in New York. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger) — Ben Shelton plays with the public because he is an American. Turns on the stands when they need itAdam Hunger / Ap-LaPresse

Although his tennis behaves like in other Grand Slams. He has won seven titles, in this category there are eighteen consecutive victories since last year’s edition and the conquest of his first Australian Open.

Alcaraz dominated Paul, He faces a second representative of USA tennis. He will wait for a third if he reaches the semi-finals, Frances Tiafoe or Alex Michelsenwho will face each other at 7:00 p.m. today, Tuesday.

The tennis player El Palmar He comments that “I will be ready,” wanting to increase his performance. “So far I give myself a grade. A high grade, but there are still things to improve.” Not your attitude or your ability to enjoy. He is having a great time after the uncertainty of the wrist ailment. “It’s a gift to be able to go out on the track,” he says. For him and those who follow him. Pure art and spectacle.