Alexander Zverev, the tournament's top seed, delivered a decisive performance on Sunday, overcoming Ben Shelton in a four‑set final to capture his first US Open crown. The German champion outplayed the eighth‑seeded American with a scoreline of 6‑3, 7‑6 (7‑2), 5‑7, 6‑2 on the storied courts of Flushing Meadows. Having already added a French Open title to his résumé earlier in the season, Zverev’s triumph in New York marked a significant milestone, confirming his arrival among the sport's elite. The climax of the match featured a bizarre moment: Shelton's return on match point sailed long, yet Zverev, seemingly unaware that the point had ended, returned the ball to the opposite side of the court as if another rally were about to begin.
Only after glancing at the stadium screen did he realise that he had already clinched the championship. Zverev’s growing trophy cabinet now boasts two Grand Slam victories, an Olympic gold medal, two ATP Finals titles, seven Masters 1000 crowns, 26 singles titles overall and a brief stint as world No. 1.
When asked about his rapid ascent, he told Sky Sports Tennis, “There has been so much hardship for my family at Grand Slam level; maybe 2026 is the year we finally get to enjoy it. Everything is falling into place and I’m unbelievably happy.” He reflected on his earlier career expectations, adding, “Three months ago, if someone told me I’d win only one Grand Slam in my life, I would have signed that contract without hesitation. To stand here with two majors in a matter of months is surreal.” Even the moment he missed the championship point, Zverev admitted to a score‑keeping mix‑up: “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 before getting tighter on the next.
It turned out to be lucky for me! Coaches always say to play each point and forget the score – I forgot, and it helped.” Shelton entered the final with historic aspirations. He was on the verge of becoming the first American man to win a Grand Slam singles title since Andy Roddick in 2003, and only the second Black male champion after Arthur Ashe’s 1975 triumph.
The atmosphere in the stadium, named after Ashe, was electric, with a crowd of roughly 23,000 cheering enthusiastically. Among the spectators were Hollywood figures 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. Zverev’s path to the final was grueling: he logged 19 hours and 38 minutes on court across the tournament, the fourth‑longest total for a finalist since 1991.
He began the championship match strongly, breaking Shelton’s serve in the opening game and again on set point, establishing early dominance. Shelton, unable to generate a break point in the first two sets, watched Zverev—playing as the No. 1 seed for the first time at a major—dictate play with a powerful serve that kept the American at bay. Historically, Shelton had lost all five previous encounters with Zverev and entered New York without a win over either Stefanos Tsitsipas or Carlos Alcaraz, two of the sport’s biggest names.
Yet his run to the final, which included his first victories over those opponents, gave him confidence heading into the showdown. Freed from the label of “the best player never to win a major” after his French Open success, Zverev seized the second‑set tiebreak, moving within a set of the title. Shelton rallied in the third, creating three break points and eventually converting the second to force a fourth set.
However, Zverev’s momentum proved overwhelming; after breaking early in the fourth, he never looked back. A notable quirk of Zverev’s game was his prolific ball‑bouncing routine.
Statistics revealed he spent roughly three hours of his total 23‑plus hours on court this fortnight bouncing the ball between serves, a habit that eventually resulted in a time‑violation warning. Off the court, Shelton’s partner, USWNT star Trinity Rodman, performed a logistical feat, traveling 200 miles from a Washington, D.C., soccer field to Queens in time to join him in his box—a trip that, despite its drama, could not alter the outcome. Zverev secured his second major title in just three hours and 33 minutes, celebrating after a brief pause to let the moment sink in.
In his post‑match interview, he offered heartfelt gratitude to his mother, Irina, a former professional player who refused to let his type‑1 diabetes define his future. “When doctors told us a four‑year‑old with diabetes would have limited sports prospects, my mother insisted he could be anything he wanted.
Her strength has been the cornerstone of my career,” Zverev said. He also praised Shelton’s character and potential: “Ben, you’re an incredible player and an amazing 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 my money, I’d bet you’ll lift this trophy someday.” The head‑to‑head record now stands 6‑0 in Zverev’s favour, marking his 26th career title and 60th victory over a top‑10 opponent.
After years of doubt about ever capturing a major, Zverev closed 2026 with two Grand Slam crowns. Shelton, still young and eager, responded with optimism: “Sascha, congratulations on two weeks, two Grand Slams in one year. Your serve and movement are phenomenal.
You work harder than anyone I know, and you put in more hours on court. You and your team are doing 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 evolution: “His perseverance and the way his game has improved over the past twelve months are remarkable.
A year ago his Grand Slam results were slipping, but he’s become more aggressive and, as this match shows, he’s comfortable against Shelton, whom he’s beaten five times straight.” Former Wimbledon champion Marion Bartoli added perspective on experience: “The disparity in experience was massive. Shelton won the toss, served, fell to 30‑30, missed an easy shot and double‑faulted, handing Zverev the first break. Playing your first Grand Slam final at home is pressure‑filled; you want to please the crowd and give a show. 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.” The match underscored a shifting landscape in men’s tennis, with Zverev’s resurgence challenging the dominance of younger stars like Alcaraz and Sinner, who have faced fitness setbacks this season. As the sport looks ahead to future majors, Zverev’s newfound confidence and resilience suggest he will remain a formidable contender for years to come.