Shelton-Alcaraz US Open Match Finishes at 3:33 AM

The U.S. Open tennis match between Ben Shelton and Carlos Alcaraz concluded at 3:33 a.m. on Tuesday, establishing a new record for the latest finish in the New York Grand Slam's history. While not the longest match in overall tennis history, which stands at 11 hours and 5 minutes from the 2010 Wimbledon Championships, this contest extended significantly past its midnight start time due to a lack of a curfew. Many spectators chose to remain and witness the entirety of the thrilling five-set encounter, while a considerable number departed the stadium or turned off their screens, opting to check the results the following day. The late finish, however, presented a challenge for fans who were scheduled to work the next morning, leading to expressions of frustration on social media platforms like X. One user commented, "Alcaraz-Shelton not starting until after 11pm. How is [this] good for anyone, except unemployed influencers," highlighting the perceived inconvenience for those with professional obligations. Another spectator expressed a similar sentiment, stating, "[Maybe] i will just go to bed now and hope that ben and carlos are in a fifth set tiebreak when i wake up for work in the morning." The U.S. Open's official X account humorously acknowledged the situation by posting a mock doctor's note, suggesting that passion for the sport could be a valid reason for absence from work. The post read, "We understand how important showing up is, but sometimes you have to make time for things you’re passionate about," and continued to praise the "stellar performance" of Alcaraz and Shelton. The account also expressed appreciation for understanding and respect for the commitment to the sport. This lighthearted response was met with further engagement from commenters who played along with the joke. One user quipped, "Calling out of work tomorrow on account of ‘ben shelton’s return game was actually good.’" Another person humorously explained potential tardiness, saying, "Sorry, boss, for arriving late—it’s just that Alcaraz vs. Shelton started at midnight." Despite the widespread appreciation for the high-quality tennis displayed, the 3 a.m. conclusion underscored the practical difficulties faced by fans with early morning work commitments, who found it difficult to reconcile their professional responsibilities with their passion for watching the late-night match.