Alexander Zverev is convinced that he currently stands as the premier tennis talent on the planet, a belief reinforced by his recent triumph at the US Open. The German star secured the championship by defeating American rising star Ben Shelton in a four‑set final that left the home crowd in New York stunned. This match marked Zverev's sixth appearance in a Grand Slam final, while it was Shelton's debut at that stage, a disparity that was evident in the 6‑3, 7‑6 (7‑2), 5‑7, 6‑2 victory.
The result also quashed the United States' hopes of producing a male champion for the first time since Andy Roddick lifted the trophy in 2003. The 29‑year‑old has dominated the major tournaments this season, especially as other top contenders have struggled with injuries. Carlos Alcaraz, who captured the Australian Open earlier in the year, suffered a quarter‑final loss to Shelton after a lengthy lay‑off due to a lingering injury. Meanwhile, world number one Jannik Sinner withdrew from the US Open before it began, despite having just claimed the Wimbledon title.
Zverev's own journey to the top has been noteworthy: after finally breaking through with his inaugural Grand Slam win at the French Open, he reached the Wimbledon final at the All England Club, where he was bested by Sinner. In 2026, Zverev boasts an impressive 25‑2 record in Grand Slam matches, a statistic that bolsters his confidence in claiming the mantle of the best player in the world at this moment. "You have to take everything into consideration," he explained. "With Jannik Sinner injured and Carlos Alcaraz just returning from a four‑month injury, right now, probably yes.
If both of them were healthy and at the peak of their games, maybe not. Four or five months ago, when both were fit, I was losing to Jannik all the time.
So if everyone is healthy, I think Jannik is still ahead. It's as simple as that." Zverev's focus during the final was so intense that he did not immediately realize he had clinched the title when Shelton mishit a service return.
It was only after the umpire announced, "Game, set and match – Zverev," that the German player turned back to the baseline, still prepared to receive Shelton's next serve. A brief pause later, he registered the roaring applause of the spectators, broke into a smile, and rushed to the net to embrace his opponent.
Speaking to Sky Sports Tennis, Zverev recounted his surprise: "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'm going to have a relaxed service game here and then I'll get tight on the next one.' It was lucky for me!
It's actually funny—tennis coaches always say play each point and forget the score. Well, I forgot the score and it helped me!" His candid remarks highlighted how staying in the moment can sometimes be more advantageous than obsessing over the numbers. The victory also positions Zverev on the cusp of a historic climb to the world No. 1 ranking.
When the next ATP rankings are released, he is projected to hold 9,690 points, trailing Jannik Sinner by a mere 1,810 points. Over the remainder of the season, Zverev is expected to lose only about 1,080 points, while Sinner could see a drop of roughly 3,550 points, potentially opening the door for Zverev to overtake the top spot.
Shelton, meanwhile, expressed enthusiasm about experiencing the sport's biggest stage. "It's such a cool moment. Walking out on that court today, there's nothing like it. I've never felt anything like that before.
Yeah, it's an addictive feeling being in positions like this," the 23‑year‑old said. His run to the final also carries cultural significance: he became the first Black American man to contest the US Open final in 54 years, the last being Arthur Ashe, after whom the tournament's main court is named. The USTA has highlighted the progress of American players like Taylor Fritz, whose 2024 campaign signaled a resurgence after a comprehensive overhaul of the national development program that began in 2008. In addition, the governing body has pursued greater diversity through a partnership with the American Tennis Association, aiming to increase Black representation in a sport that has traditionally been dominated by white athletes.
Reflecting on Zverev's evolution, a former US Open semifinalist from 2004 noted, "The perseverance and the way Zverev's game has improved over the last 12 months is remarkable. I was looking back at his Grand Slam results, and his game seemed to be regressing.
But he has transformed himself into a more aggressive player, and when you consider this matchup, Zverev had beaten Shelton five times in a row. Shelton had to change the narrative, but Zverev looked so comfortable. Shelton did a great job taking the third set, but losing his serve in the first game of the fourth gave Zverev a surge of energy. He coasted from there." Beyond the immediate aftermath, the win adds another chapter to Zverev's career narrative, illustrating how resilience, strategic adjustments, and a bit of serendipity can converge to produce a major championship.
As the tennis world looks ahead, the debate over who truly holds the title of the best player will continue, but for now, Zverev stands firmly convinced that his recent performances, especially his US Open triumph, justify his claim to that distinction.