Alexander Zverev has declared that, following his triumph at the US Open, he believes he is currently the premier tennis player on the planet. The German star secured the championship by defeating American Ben Shelton in the final on Sunday, a result that left the home crowd in New York visibly disappointed.
It was Zverev's sixth appearance in a Grand Slam final, while Shelton was contesting his first. The match unfolded as a 6-3, 7-6 (7-2), 5-7, 6-2 victory for the German, dashing the hopes of an American male champion for the first time since Andy Roddick lifted the trophy in 2003. The 29‑year‑old has dominated the major‑tournament landscape this season, a year that has seen former world No.
1 Carlos Alcaraz, the Australian Open champion, bow out in the US Open quarter‑finals after a lengthy injury lay‑off, and world No. 1 Jannik Sinner withdraw before the event due to a fresh injury despite having won Wimbledon earlier in the year. Zverev’s breakthrough came at the French Open, where he captured his maiden Grand Slam title, and he later reached the Wimbledon final at the All England Club, where he was bested by Sinner. His 2026 Grand Slam record stands at an impressive 25 wins to just 2 losses, reinforcing his confidence that he now occupies the top spot in the sport.
"You have to take everything into consideration," Zverev explained. "With Jannik injured and Carlos just returning from a four‑month lay‑off, right now I would say yes, I’m the best. If both of them were healthy and playing at their peak, maybe not. Four or five months ago, when they were both fit, I was losing to Jannik all the time.
If everyone is healthy, I think Jannik is still ahead. It’s as simple as that." During the climax of the final, Zverev was so absorbed in the point that he didn’t initially realize he had clinched the title when Shelton’s return sailed long. The umpire’s announcement of "Game, set and match – Zverev" seemed to register only after the German player had already moved back to the baseline, preparing for Shelton’s serve. A few seconds later, the crowd’s standing ovation finally sank in, prompting Zverev to break into a smile and rush to the net for an embrace with his opponent.
Speaking to Sky Sports Tennis, Zverev recounted his confusion about the score: "I thought the score was 5‑1! I knew I had broken him twice, but I thought he only held once. I was thinking, ‘Okay, I’ll have a relaxed service game here and then I’ll tighten up on the next one.’ It was lucky for me!
It’s actually funny – tennis teachers always say to play each point and forget the score. Well, I forgot the score and it helped me!" The victory positions Zverev tantalizingly close to the world No. 1 ranking. When the next edition of the ATP rankings is published, he is projected to hold 9,690 points, trailing Jannik Sinner by just 1,810 points.
Over the remainder of the season, Zverev is expected to lose only about 1,080 points, whereas Sinner could see a drop of roughly 3,550 points, potentially paving the way for Zverev’s ascent to the top spot. Shelton, for his part, expressed enthusiasm about experiencing the sport’s biggest stage once again. "It’s such a cool moment.
Walking out onto that court today, there’s nothing like it. I’ve never felt anything like that before. It’s an addictive feeling being in positions like this," the 23‑year‑old remarked. The USTA has previously highlighted Taylor Fritz’s 2024 campaign as evidence of progress, following a sweeping overhaul of its player‑development program launched in 2008.
The governing body has also pursued greater diversity through a partnership announced last year with the American Tennis Association, aiming to increase Black representation in a sport that has traditionally been dominated by white athletes. Shelton made history merely by stepping onto the court on Sunday; he became the first Black American man to compete in the New York final in 54 years, the last being Arthur Ashe, after whom the tournament’s iconic center court is named. "I don’t think I’m anywhere near the player I want to be yet. I think I’m a great competitor and I play very well out there on the court," Shelton said.
"I can stay focused and stay on the court for many, many hours. I think that will help me in the future." Former US Open semi‑finalist and 2004 champion, who observed Zverev’s evolution, praised the German’s perseverance and recent improvements. "Looking back at his Grand Slam results, his game seemed to be regressing," he noted.
"But over the past twelve months he has transformed into a more aggressive player. When you reflect on this matchup, Zverev had beaten Shelton five times in a row. Shelton tried to change the narrative, but Zverev looked completely comfortable. Shelton did a great job taking the third set, but losing his serve early in the fourth gave Zverev momentum, and he coasted from there." Fans can continue to follow tennis action without a contract on NOW and the Sky Sports app, and the Laver Cup will be broadcast live from The O2 in London between 25‑27 September on Sky Sports.