Alexander Zverev, the top seed, extinguished the hopes of American fans on Sunday by defeating Ben Shelton in a four‑set showdown to capture 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 in the championship match at Flushing Meadows. Having already secured the French Open title earlier in the season, Zverev added a New York major to his résumé.
The climax was unusual: on match point, Shelton’s return sailed long, yet Zverev, apparently unaware that the point had ended, hit the ball back across the court as if another rally were about to begin. Only after glancing at the stadium screen did he realize he had already clinched the title. Zverev’s achievements now read: two Grand Slam titles, an Olympic gold medal, two ATP Finals victories, seven Masters 1000 crowns, 26 tour‑level singles titles and a recent stint as world No.
1 – with many wondering if he will reclaim that top spot soon. In his post‑match interview with Sky Sports Tennis, Zverev reflected on his family’s long‑standing struggle at the Grand Slam level. “There has been so much suffering for the Zverev family at majors,” he said. “Maybe 2026 is the year we finally get to enjoy it.
Everything is falling into place and I’m unbelievably happy.” He added, “If three months ago someone had told me I’d win just one Grand Slam in my career, I would have signed the paper immediately. To stand here with two majors in a few months is incredible.” When asked about not realizing he had already won on championship point, Zverev laughed, “I thought the score was 5‑1. I knew I’d broken him twice, but I assumed he’d held once. I was planning a relaxed service game and then to get tight on the next.
It was lucky for me! Coaches always say play each point and forget the score – I forgot the score and it helped me!” Shelton entered the final hoping to become 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 in 1975. He was welcomed by a roaring crowd of roughly 23,000 spectators in the stadium named for Ashe.
Among the celebrity audience were Brad Pitt, Rami Malek and James Bond veteran 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 total for a player reaching a major final since 1991. He started the final aggressively, breaking Shelton’s serve in the opening game and again on set point to seize the first set. The American could not generate a break point in either of the first two sets as Zverev, seeded No.
1 at a major for the first time, used his powerful serve to dominate. Prior to this meeting, Shelton had lost all five of his previous encounters with Zverev and had never beaten either Stefanos Tsitsipas or Carlos Alcaraz – a fact that made his run to the final all the more impressive.
Yet Zverev, now playing with the freedom that came after shedding the “best player never to win a major” label with his French Open triumph, steam‑rolled the second‑set tiebreak to bring himself within a single set of the championship. Shelton fought back in the third, creating three break opportunities and eventually converting the second to level the match at 2‑2 in sets.
However, Zverev’s momentum proved decisive. He broke early in the fourth set and, despite a brief dip in his service rhythm that allowed Shelton a couple of break points, the German sealed the match in four sets, finishing in three hours and 33 minutes. Statistical analysis revealed Zverev’s habit of bouncing the ball between serves – he spent roughly three hours of his total court time this fortnight doing just that – which eventually resulted in a time‑violation warning.
Shelton’s partner, USWNT star Trinity Rodman, performed a logistical feat by traveling over 200 miles from a Washington football pitch to Queens in time to join him in his box, though the effort proved futile as Zverev celebrated his second Grand Slam title. After the win, Zverev paid heartfelt tribute to his mother, Irina, a former professional player who refused to let his type‑1 diabetes define his future.
“When your four‑year‑old son is diagnosed with diabetes and doctors say his life in sport will be limited, it takes a strong mother to say ‘my son will be whatever he wants.’ If he wants to be a tennis player, he’ll be one. This illness will not define us,” Zverev said, calling his mother the strongest person he knows.
He also lauded Shelton, stating, “Ben, you’re an incredible player and an incredible person. This was your first Grand Slam final, but I’ve told you before you’ll be back many more times. If I had to bet all my money, I’d bet you’ll lift this trophy one day.” Zverev now leads their head‑to‑head 6‑0, marking his 26th career title and 60th victory over a top‑10 opponent.
After years of doubt about ever capturing a major, he closed 2026 with two Grand Slam crowns. Shelton, whose nation has not produced a male Grand Slam champion in over two decades, responded graciously: “Sascha, congratulations on these two weeks, your second Grand Slam and two in one year.
Your serving and movement are incredible. You work harder than anyone I know and spend more hours on court. You and your team do things the right way, and I’m sincerely happy for you.
I’m just getting started and I’ll be back.” Former British No. 1 Tim Henman praised Zverev’s evolution, noting, “His perseverance and the way his game has improved over the last 12 months is remarkable. He turned a backward trajectory into an aggressive, confident style.
He’s beaten Shelton five times in a row, and today he looked completely at ease.” Former Wimbledon champion Marion Bartoli highlighted the experience gap: “The difference was massive. Shelton won the toss, served, fell to 30‑30, missed an easy shot and double‑faulted, giving Zverev the first break. It’s tough to play your first Grand Slam final in front of a home crowd and try to please everyone.
Zverev made only one unforced error in the first set, making Shelton’s life very difficult. There’s no shame in losing to a player performing at that level.” Fans can continue to follow tennis without a contract via NOW and the Sky Sports app, with the Laver Cup scheduled at The O2 in London from 25‑27 September, broadcast live on Sky Sports.