Alexander Zverev, the tournament’s top seed, delivered a decisive blow to American aspirations on Sunday by defeating Ben Shelton in a four‑set final to secure his first US Open crown. The German displayed superior firepower, outlasting the eighth‑seeded American 6‑3, 7‑6 (7‑2), 5‑7, 6‑2 on the iconic courts of Flushing Meadows.
Having already lifted the French Open trophy earlier in the season, Zverev added the New York title to an already impressive résumé that now includes two Grand Slam victories, an Olympic gold medal, two ATP Finals crowns, seven Masters 1000 titles and 26 tour‑level singles titles. The win also reignited speculation about whether he could soon reclaim the world No.
1 ranking. The match concluded in an unusual fashion. On championship point, Shelton’s return sailed long, but Zverev, apparently unaware that the point had ended the match, casually tossed the ball back across the net as if another rally were about to begin.
Only after glancing at the stadium’s big screen did he realise he had already secured the championship. Zverev reflected on his journey, noting the long‑standing hardships his family had endured at Grand Slam events.
"There has been so much suffering for the Zverev family at this level that maybe 2026 should be a year we simply enjoy," he told Sky Sports Tennis. "Everything is falling into place and I’m unbelievably happy." He added, "Three months ago, if someone told me I would win only one Grand Slam in my career, I would have signed that contract without hesitation. Now, standing here with two major trophies within a few months, it feels surreal." When asked about his confusion on the final point, Zverev laughed, "I thought the score was 5‑1. I knew I’d broken him twice, but I believed he’d held once.
I was planning a relaxed service game and then to get aggressive on the next. It was lucky for me!" He also remarked that the old tennis maxim—"play each point, forget the score"—had inadvertently worked in his favor that day.
Shelton entered the match with a historic mission: to become the first American man to claim a Grand Slam singles title since Andy Roddick’s US Open triumph in 2003, and only the second Black man to win a major after Arthur Ashe’s 1975 victory. He was welcomed by a fervent crowd of roughly 23,000 spectators in the stadium named after Ashe.
The audience included Hollywood heavyweights such as Brad Pitt, Rami Malek and James Bond legend Pierce Brosnan, who was caught on camera with the match clock displaying a mere 0.07 seconds. The German’s path to the final had been grueling. He logged 19 hours and 38 minutes on court throughout the tournament, the fourth‑longest total for any player reaching a Grand Slam final since 1991. He opened the championship strongly, breaking Shelton in the first game and again on set point, establishing early dominance.
Shelton struggled to generate break points in the opening two sets, as Zverev, playing as the No. 1 seed for the first time at a major, leaned on his powerful serve to keep the American at bay.
Prior to this final, Shelton had lost all five of his previous encounters with Zverev and had never defeated either Stefanos Tsitsipas or Carlos Alcaraz—two of the sport’s leading figures—until his breakthrough run in New York. After his French Open triumph, Zverev appeared liberated from the label of "the best player never to win a major." He seized the second‑set tiebreak, moving within a single set of the title. Shelton fought back valiantly, eventually creating three break points in the third set as Zverev’s serve faltered. He converted the second of those chances, forcing a third set that he ultimately claimed 7‑5.
Nevertheless, the fourth set proved decisive. Zverev broke early and never looked back, capitalising on the fatigue that had plagued his opponents throughout the season, including the injury‑related absences of Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner. His habit of bouncing the ball between serves—statistical analysis showed he spent roughly three hours of his cumulative 23‑plus hours on court this fortnight bouncing—eventually led to a time‑violation warning, but it did not deter his momentum. Shelton’s partner, U.S.
women’s soccer star Trinity Rodman, performed a logistical feat, traveling over 200 miles from a Washington football field to Queens in time to join him in his box. Unfortunately, the effort could not alter the outcome, as Zverev clinched his second Grand Slam and first US Open title in just three hours and 33 minutes.
After a brief moment to absorb the victory, he celebrated with his team and family. In his post‑match interview, Zverev paid heartfelt tribute to his mother, Irina, a former professional player who refused to let his type‑1 diabetes define his future. "When your four‑year‑old son is diagnosed with diabetes and doctors tell you his life and sport will be limited, it takes an incredibly strong mother to say, ‘My son will be whatever he wants to be,’" Zverev said.
"If he wants to be a tennis player, he will be. If he chooses another path, he will pursue it, but the illness will not dictate our story. My mother is the strongest person I know." He also extended sincere compliments to Shelton, stating, "Ben, you’re an amazing player and an even better person.
This was your first Grand Slam final, but I’ve already told you you’ll be back many more times. If I had to bet all my money, I’d wager you’ll lift this trophy one day." The head‑to‑head record now stands at 6‑0 in Zverev’s favour, marking his 26th career title and his 60th victory over a top‑10 opponent. After years of doubt about his ability to capture a major, Zverev ends 2026 with two Grand Slam crowns. Shelton, still young and hungry, responded graciously: "Sascha, congratulations on these two weeks, your second Grand Slam and two in one year.
Your serve, your movement, your work ethic—no one works harder than you. You and your team have done everything right, and I’m genuinely happy for you.
This is just the beginning for me; I’ll be back." Former British No. 1 Tim Henman praised Zverev’s evolution, noting, "His perseverance and the way his game has improved over the past twelve months is remarkable. A year ago his Grand Slam results were slipping, but he’s become more aggressive and confident.
He’s beaten Shelton five times in a row, and today he looked completely at ease." Former Wimbledon champion Marion Bartoli highlighted the experience gap, saying, "The difference in experience was massive. In the opening game, Shelton won the toss, served, fell to 30‑30, missed an easy shot and then double‑faulted, handing Zverev the first break.
It’s tough to debut a Grand Slam final in front of a home crowd, wanting to please them while also delivering your best tennis. Zverev made only one unforced error in the first set, making it extremely difficult for Shelton.
There’s no shame in losing to a player performing at that level." Fans can continue to follow tennis action on NOW and the Sky Sports app, with upcoming coverage of the Laver Cup at The O2 in London from September 25‑27.