Shelton Upsets Alcaraz to Reshape the 2026 US Open Betting Market
The 2026 US Open winner market was altered dramatically after Ben Shelton’s epic 5 sets victory over defending champion Carlos Alcaraz in the quarter-finals.
The American didn't just snap the Spaniard's 18-match Grand Slam winning streak, he moved into serious contention to win the title.
With the favourite eliminated, bookmakers have scrambled to adjust their lines.
2026 Men's US Open - Winner Odds
Shelton’s quarter-final triumph was a grueling 4-hour, 28-minute war which proved the American powerhouse can weather the storm of a five-set marathon against the best in the world.
By eliminating the defending champion, Shelton triggered a redistribution of the title odds with Alexander Zverev instantly installed as the favourite.
| Player | Odds |
|---|---|
| Alexander Zverev | 2.20 |
| Ben Shelton | 2.60 |
| Frances Tiafoe | 7.00 |
| Karen Khachanov | 17.00 |
| Alexander Blockx | 21.00 |
| Botic van de Zandschulp | 51.00 |
Analysing the Remaining Contenders
With the bracket blown open, here is the betting breakdown for the six key players left vying for the championship:
Alexander Zverev (2.20)
Zverev came into the tournament as the top seed after Jannik Sinner's withdrawal. He had a slow start in New York before registering straight sets victories over Alejandro Tabilo and Luciano Darderi.
The German now faces Botic van de Zandschulp for a spot in the semi-final where Karen Khachanov or Alexander Blockx await.
After capturing the French Open and reaching Wimbledon final, he has a fantastic chance to claim another Grand Slam.
Ben Shelton (2.60)
Shelton is riding the momentum after winning the Masters 1000 title in Montreal. Fatigue is a legitimate concern, but the 23-year-old has a day to recover before a semi-final clash against Frances Tiafoe.
He has a 3-1 record against Tiafoe in what is sure to be a blockbuster clash at Arthur Ashe Stadium. Savvy punters who backed him at 10.00 are in a great position.
Frances Tiafoe (7.00)
Tiafoe is stepping into an all-American semi-final against Shelton after staging a stunning comeback against Alex Michelsen.
He feeds off the Arthur Ashe crowd better than anyone on tour and is into his third US Open semi since 2022. After starting the tournament at 41.00, he remains an enticing underdog pick.
Karen Khachanov (17.00)
Few expected a deep run from Khachanov who was 101.00 at the start of the tournament. After taking out Felix Auger Aliassime and Learner Tien for a spot in the quarter-finals, he now faces Alexander Blockx.
Even if the Russian gets past Blockx, few are expecting the World No.50 to get past Alexander Zverev in the semi-finals.
Alexander Blockx (21.00)
Blockx was not on the radar as a serious contender in New York but the Belgian is writing a phenomenal Cinderella story by reaching his first career Grand Slam quarter-final.
After overcoming a rib injury and needing painkillers to get through his fourth round clash against Francisco Cerundolo, he is highly volatile investment at this stage of a best-of-five tournament.
Botic van de Zandschulp (51.00)
Van de Zandschulp has admirably matched his 2021 US Open quarter-final run, proving his hard court pedigree.
However, his draw is a nightmare and he has spent over 14 hours on court, nearly ten of those in his previous two victories. The Dutchman now faces a fresh, in-form Zverev and few are giving him a serious chance.