Ben Shelton, Carlos Alcaraz bring their own electricity to US Open quarterfinal

Those ring lights that have been disrupting play thanks to those loveable influencers filling the posh seats at the US Open? Good news. They will not be needed Tuesday night at Arthur Ashe Stadium.

Two of the game’s most charismatic stars – Carlos Alcaraz and Ben Shelton – will bring their own electricity to a quarterfinal match that might be the most compelling battle remaining on the men’s side of the competition.

Alcaraz, the World No. 1 who has been out since April with a bad wrist, audaciously decided to start his comeback at literally the biggest tennis stadium in the world. The task? Win seven best-of-five matches against the best players on tour, save for his buddy Jannick Sinner, who sadly is tending to his bad knee in Monte Carlo.

BEST BETS FOR QUARTERFINALS: Men | Women

Even for Carlitos, this seemed a bit much, especially after a moderate start in the mixed doubles showcase where he and Serena Williams won one match and lost the next. His serve was off, his groundstrokes rusty. But there was no hint of pain, which was the most important result of his partnership with the women’s GOAT.

Alcarez wasn’t overly taxed in his first three matches, dropping one set as he played his way into form like only the greats can do. In the fourth round, he faced his first true test in 20th seed Tommy Paul. He treated it like a pop quiz, dismantling the American 6-4, 6-3, 6-4. 

“He was playing on a different level than me,” a somewhat shell-shocked Paul said afterward. “I could have done a lot of things better and still lost that match.”

Alcaraz is now the unquestioned favorite to win the tournament.

Next is Shelton, America’s best hope to end a 23-year majorless streak that dates back to Andy Roddick’s 2003 US Open crown. The lefty World No. 9 is in his fourth year on tour since he won an NCAA singles championship at Florida and it has been his best to date. He’s won four titles, including the Canadian Open where he did not drop a set. Shelton was disappointing at Roland Garros and Wimbledon, but he says his first-round exit in London showed him flaws in his game he’s tried to improve.

There are not many players with the athleticism to match Alcaraz on tour, but Shelton is one of them. And Shelton’s serve can be a shade better than Alcaraz’s on occasion. The lefty can bomb away one point and kick it way wide on the next.

It is the return game where there is a big gap between the two players who are not afraid to show the world the work they’ve done in the weight room with sleeveless kits. Alcaraz can seemingly break serve on command, while Shelton needs things to line up for him.

Alcaraz has won all three matchups between the 23-year-olds.Their last meeting was a little over a year ago at the French Open, when Alcaraz prevailed 7-6, 6-3, 4-6, 6-4 in the Round of 16 on his way to the title.

The atmosphere is going to be as loud as anything the tournament has seen to date. Alcaraz is the most popular player in the game, but the quest for an American to take home the US Open resonates with a lot of New Yorkers. Both players bring style, personality and crossover appeal. This is where the night session at Ashe will live up to its billing as the wildest of the Grand Slams. Two of the sport’s best athletes on a grand stage.

No ring lights will be needed, thank you.