This may yet be the best chance for an American man to win his nation's open championship in tennis.
Ben Shelton is the highest-seeded American left in the men's draw of the 2026 U.S. Open, but he face his tallest task yet in the quarterfinals on Sept. 8. Second-seed Carlos Alcaraz, the defending U.S. Open champ, will take on Shelton, much to his surprise as of Sunday afternoon.
Meanwhile, the former Florida Gator and Gainesville Buccholz High School product is trying to return to the U.S. Open semis for first time since 2023 and deny Alcaraz his eighth Grand Slam singles title.
Watch US Open live on Fubo (free trial)
Here's what to know about Shelton's next match, including how to watch on TV and streaming.
Is Ben Shelton playing today?
Yes. Ben Shelton will play his quarterfinal
match at the U.S. Open on Tuesday, Sept. 8. He is slated to play Carlos Alcaraz of Spain.
When does Ben Shelton play today at US Open?
- Date: Tuesday, Sept. 8
- Start time: 7 p.m.
Ben Shelton and Carlos Alcaraz are scheduled to begin play during the evening window. Both this match and the women's quarterfinal between Jessica Pegula and Emma Navarro are listed for 7 p.m. at Arthur Ashe Stadium on Day 10 of the 2026 U.S. Open.
How to watch Ben Shelton US Open match
- TV channel: ESPN
- Live streaming: Fubo (free trial) | ESPN app (Unlimited plan)
Matches at the U.S. Open today will be broadcast on ESPN and ESPN2. Streaming options include Fubo, which carries both channels and offers a free trial for new subscribers. The Ben Shelton and Carlos Alcaraz match can also be streamed with a subscription to ESPN Unlimited.
Who is Ben Shelton playing next at US Open?
Shelton's quarterfinal opponent is Carlos Alcaraz, the No. 3 player in the ATP rankings. The 23-year-old from El Palmar Muncia, Spain, has only dropped one set among his four victories in this year's U.S. Open, which included a win over Tommy Paul, an American ranked 21st in the ATP rankings. Once ranked No. 1 in the world, Alcaraz has one at least one major each of the last five years, including this year's Australian Open and the U.S. Open last year and his first major title in 2022.
Shelton is winless in three prior meetings with Alcaraz, most recently in the Round of 16 of the 2025 French Open. There, Alcaraz won 7-6 (8), 6-3, 4-6, 6-4, en route to the championship.
Coco Gauff US Open schedule
If Shelton wins today, he will face either Frances Tiafoe or Alex Michelsen, both Americans, in the semifinals. Here’s a look at Shelton's path through the U.S. Open:
- First round: def. Tallon Griekspoor 1-6, 6-1, 7-6 (3), 6-2
- Second round: def. Hubert Hurkacz 6-3, 5-7, 7-6 (3), 7-5
- Third round: def. Denis Shapovalov 7-6 (3), 6-7 (5), 6-3, 6-4
- Fourth round: def. Stefanos Tsitsipas 6-2, 6-3, 6-4
- Quarterfinal: vs. Carlos Alcaraz | Tuesday, Sept. 8
- Semifinal: Friday, Sept. 11
- Final: Sunday, Sept. 13
When does Ben Shelton play next at US Open?
If Ben Shelton wins his match today, she'll take the court Friday, Sept. 11 against either No. 11 seed Frances Tiafoe or Alex Michelsen in what would be an All-American semifinal.
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: What time is Ben Shelton match today? See US Open TV schedule
Our editors independently choose our recommendations. Some content is produced with paid support from a third party, however our editorial decisions remain independent. If you buy through our links, the USA TODAY Network may earn a commission. Prices and availability may change.
