US Open winner Andy Roddick defends late finishes amid criticism after Ben Shelton-Carlos Alcaraz thriller
Ben Shelton’s 7‑6–7‑3‑7‑6 Thriller at the U.S. Open Spurs Retired Star Andy Roddick to Comment on Late‑Night Tennis
The 2024 U.S. Open’s men’s quarter‑finals ended in the early hours of Wednesday morning, when 21‑year‑old Ben Shelton edged Spaniard Carlos Alcaraz in a five‑set battle that finished at 3:35 a.m. Eastern time. The win, decided in a match tiebreaker, is the biggest in Shelton’s fledgling career and makes him the first American man to defeat either Alcaraz or Jannik Sinner at a Grand Slam.
Shelton’s triumph, paired with fellow American Frances Tiafoe’s five‑set victory over Alex Michelsen, guarantees that at least one U.S. player will reach the 2026 final. The last time an American-born man won the U.S. Open men’s singles title was in 2003, when Andy Roddick claimed his only Grand Slam crown.
On a recent episode of his “Served” podcast, the former champion addressed the growing criticism of the tournament’s late‑night schedule and logistics. Roddick said he had no regrets about the match’s timing, noting that “every match goes to a match tiebreak except for one” and that “you’ve got to get 25,000 people out of a stadium responsibly, and you’ve got to get 25,000 people in responsibly.”
He explained that the night session was unavoidable because of Frances’ and Michelsen’s match, which was running long. “Starting earlier wasn’t possible because of Frances and Mickelson’s match,” Roddick said. He also acknowledged the frustration of fans who feel a five‑hour match tests their patience, echoing similar concerns raised by sports analyst Bill Simmons.
“People are complaining that we’re playing too long, that ‘five hours is too much. I’m bored,’” Roddick said. “I don’t disagree with the premise, but I think the sport is hardest on earth. If you take that away, can we lay that claim any longer?”
Roddick also weighed in on the practical side of late‑night play, noting that workers behind the scenes, such as editors and production staff, may find it inconvenient to be up until 4:00 a.m. He said he “understands the reasons for a shorter format” and the “practical case for a shorter format,” but he also stressed that the U.S. Open’s night sessions “are one of the things that we all love.”
The next day, Shelton and Tiafoe will face off on Arthur Ashe Stadium’s center court. Ashe, named for the 1968 champion who remains the last Black American man to win the U.S. Open men’s singles title, will host the American showdown that could decide who moves on to the championship match.