Top‑seed Alexander Zverev shattered 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, overcoming the eighth‑seeded American 6‑3, 7‑6 (7‑2), 5‑7, 6‑2 on the iconic courts of Flushing Meadows. Having already added a French Open title to his résumé earlier in the season, Zverev now boasts two Grand Slam victories.
The match concluded in an almost cinematic fashion: on match point, Shelton’s return sailed long, but Zverev, seemingly unaware that the point had ended the contest, casually sent the ball back across the net as if another game were about to begin. Only after glancing at the scoreboard on the stadium’s giant screen did he realise he had already clinched the championship. Zverev’s résumé now reads: two Grand Slam titles, an Olympic gold medal, two ATP Finals crowns, seven Masters 1000 trophies, 26 singles titles and a former world No.
1 ranking – with many speculating a return to the top spot could be imminent. In his post‑match interview with Sky Sports Tennis, Zverev reflected on his family’s long‑standing struggles at the sport’s biggest stages. "There has been so much hardship for the Zverev family at Grand Slam level that maybe 2026 is the year we should just enjoy it," he said. "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.
To be standing here with two majors in a matter of months is surreal." When asked about his momentary confusion on championship point, Zverev laughed, "I thought the score was 5‑1. I knew I’d broken him twice but assumed he’d held once. I was planning a relaxed service game and then to get aggressive on the next. It turned out to be lucky for me!
Coaches always tell you to play each point and forget the score – I forgot the score and it actually helped." Shelton entered the final with the prospect of becoming the first American man to capture a Grand Slam singles title since Andy Roddick’s 2003 US Open triumph, and only the second Black man to win a major after Arthur Ashe in 1975. He was welcomed by a thunderous ovation from a partisan crowd of roughly 23,000 spectators inside the stadium that bears Ashe’s name. Among the celebrity spectators were actors Brad Pitt and Rami Malek, as well as James Bond legend Pierce Brosnan, who was caught on camera with the match clock flashing a mere 0.07 seconds.
Zverev’s road to the final had been grueling – he logged 19 hours and 38 minutes on court, the fourth‑longest total for a player reaching a Grand Slam final since 1991. He started the championship match aggressively, breaking Shelton’s serve in the opening game and again on set point, establishing early dominance. The American struggled to generate any break‑point opportunities in the first two sets, while Zverev, playing as the No. 1 seed in a major for the first time, used his powerful serve to keep Shelton at bay.
Historically, Shelton had lost all five previous meetings with Zverev and had never defeated either Stefanos Tsitsipas or Carlos Alcaraz before this tournament, making his run to the final all the more remarkable. Yet Zverev, now free from the label of "the best player never to win a major" after his Roland Garros success, took control of the second‑set tiebreak and moved within a single set of the title. Shelton fought back valiantly in the third set, creating three break‑point chances and eventually converting the second to force a decider. However, Zverev’s momentum proved decisive.
He broke early in the fourth set, and after a series of long rallies – including a notable three‑hour total spent bouncing the ball between serves throughout the fortnight – he secured the match in 3 hours and 33 minutes. Off‑court drama added a human touch: Shelton’s girlfriend, USWNT star Trinity Rodman, made a 200‑mile dash from a Washington football field to Queens to watch the final from her partner’s box, only to see Zverev lift the trophy. Nonetheless, she remained supportive, praising Shelton’s composure.
In his victory speech, Zverev paid heartfelt tribute to his mother, Irina, a former professional player who refused to let his type‑1 diabetes define his future. "When doctors told us that a four‑year‑old with diabetes would have limited sports prospects, my mother insisted he could be whatever he wanted. Her strength is unmatched," he said. He also acknowledged Shelton’s talent, stating, "Ben, you’re an incredible player and person.
This was your first Grand Slam final, but I’m convinced you’ll be back many more times. If I had to bet, I’d wager you’ll lift this trophy someday." The head‑to‑head record now stands 6‑0 in Zverev’s favour, marking his 26th career title, his 60th victory over a top‑10 opponent, and cementing his status as a two‑time Grand Slam champion in 2026. Shelton, still young, reflected on the loss with optimism: "Sascha, congratulations on two Grand Slams in two weeks. Your serving and movement are phenomenal.
You work harder than anyone I know. I’m just getting started and will be back here." Former British No.
1 Tim Henman praised Zverev’s evolution, noting that a year ago his Grand Slam results were regressing, but he has become more aggressive and confident. Former Wimbledon champion Marion Bartoli highlighted the experience gap, pointing out Shelton’s early errors and double‑fault that gave Zverev the first break. Both former players agreed that Zverev’s near‑flawless play left little room for criticism.
The match was broadcast worldwide, with viewers encouraged to use Chrome for the best video experience. Fans can continue to follow tennis action on the NOW platform and the Sky Sports app, including upcoming Laver Cup coverage at The O2 in London from 25‑27 September.