Alexander Zverev, the tournament's top seed, extinguished the hopes of the United States on Sunday by defeating Ben Shelton in a four‑set final to capture his first US Open crown. The German displayed superior form, overcoming the eighth‑seeded American 6‑3, 7‑6 (7‑2), 5‑7, 6‑2 on the iconic courts of Flushing Meadows.
This triumph adds a New York title to Zverev’s résumé, which already includes a French Open victory earlier in the season. The match concluded in an unusual fashion: on championship point Shelton’s return sailed long, but Zverev, apparently unaware that the point had secured the championship, simply sent the ball back across the net as if another rally were about to begin.
Only after glancing at the scoreboard on the giant screen did he realize he had already won. Zverev’s career achievements now read: two Grand Slam championships, an Olympic gold medal, two ATP Finals titles, seven ATP Masters 1000 crowns, 26 singles titles and a stint as world No. 1 – with many wondering if he will reclaim the top ranking soon. He urged viewers to use Chrome for a smoother video experience.
In his post‑match interview with Sky Sports Tennis, Zverev reflected on the long‑standing challenges his family had faced at the Grand Slam level. "It feels like the Zverev family has endured so much hardship at majors that maybe 2026 should be the year we finally enjoy them," he said.
"Everything is aligning perfectly, and I’m unbelievably happy." He added, "If three months ago someone had told me I would win just one Grand Slam in my career, I would have signed that contract immediately without hesitation. To stand here now with two major trophies within a few months is simply extraordinary." When asked about his momentary confusion on championship point, Zverev laughed, "I thought the score was 5‑1. I knew I had broken him twice, but I believed he’d only held once.
I was planning a relaxed service game and then to tighten up on the next one. It was lucky for me!" He also noted a common coaching mantra – "play each point, forget the score" – and admitted that momentarily forgetting the scoreboard actually helped him stay relaxed. Shelton entered the final hoping to become the first American man to win a Grand Slam singles title since Andy Roddick’s 2003 US Open triumph, and only the second Black man ever to claim a major after Arthur Ashe’s historic 1975 victory.
He was welcomed by a thunderous ovation from a crowd of roughly 23,000 spectators seated in the stadium that bears Ashe’s name. Among the on‑court spectators were Hollywood figures such as Brad Pitt, Rami Malek, and former James Bond actor Pierce Brosnan, who was caught on camera with the match clock showing a mere 0.07 seconds.
Zverev’s path to the final was grueling: he logged 19 hours and 38 minutes on court throughout the tournament, the fourth‑longest cumulative time for any player reaching a Grand Slam final since 1991. He started the final aggressively, breaking Shelton’s serve in the opening game and again on set point, establishing early dominance. Shelton struggled to generate any break points in the first two sets, as Zverev, seeded No. 1 for the first time at a major, leveraged his powerful serve to keep the American at bay.
The German had a perfect 5‑0 record against Shelton prior to this match, and Shelton had never defeated either Stefanos Tsitsipas or Carlos Alcaraz before this tournament – a fact that added optimism to his mindset heading into the final. After securing the first set, Zverev continued to ride the momentum, crushing the second‑set tiebreak and moving within striking distance of the championship.
Shelton, however, fought back valiantly in the third set, creating three break‑point opportunities and eventually converting the second to force a decisive fourth set. The fourth set saw Zverev break early, and despite Shelton’s brief resurgence, the German’s confidence was unshakable. Throughout the fortnight, Zverev’s habit of bouncing the ball between serves – a ritual that consumed roughly three hours of his total court time – even resulted in a time‑violation warning. Off the court, Shelton’s partner, U.S.
women’s soccer star Trinity Rodman, performed a logistical feat by traveling 200 miles from a Washington, D.C., football pitch to Queens in time to join him in his box. Unfortunately for her, Zverev’s composure held firm, and he clinched his second major title – his first in New York – after three hours and 33 minutes of play. In his emotional victory speech, Zverev paid special tribute to his mother, Irina, a former professional player who refused to let his type‑1 diabetes dictate his future.
"When my son was four and diagnosed with diabetes, doctors said his life and sport would be severely limited. It takes a remarkably 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 one.
If he wants something else, he will pursue it, but this illness will never define us. My mother is the strongest person I know." He also expressed admiration for Shelton, stating, "Ben, you’re an incredible athlete and a wonderful 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 someday." The head‑to‑head record now stands at 6‑0 in Zverev’s favour, marking his 26th career title, his 60th victory over a top‑10 opponent, and solidifying his status as a two‑time Grand Slam champion in 2026. Shelton, still young and eager, responded positively: "Sascha, congratulations on your second Grand Slam in two weeks. Your serve, movement, and work ethic are unparalleled.
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, commenting for Sky Sports Tennis, highlighted Zverev’s transformation over the past year: "His perseverance and the way his game has improved are 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 added, "The experience gap was massive. In the first game, Shelton won the toss, chose to serve, fell to 30‑30, missed an easy shot and then double‑faulted, handing Zverev the first break.
It’s hard to debut a Grand Slam final in front of a home crowd and feel the pressure to entertain. Zverev made only one unforced error in the opening 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 without a contract via the NOW platform and the Sky Sports app, and the Laver Cup will be broadcast live from the O2 in London from September 25‑27 on Sky Sports.