Alexander Zverev is convinced that, following his triumph at the US Open, he now stands as the premier tennis talent on the planet. The German star clinched the championship by defeating American youngster Ben Shelton in a four‑set showdown on Sunday, a result that left the home crowd in New York visibly disappointed.
This match marked Zverev's sixth appearance in a Grand Slam final, while it was Shelton's inaugural experience at that level, a disparity that was evident in the 6‑3, 7‑6 (7‑2), 5‑7, 6‑2 scoreline. The victory also dashed the hopes of an American male champion for the first time since Andy Roddick lifted the trophy in 2003.
The 29‑year‑old has been the most consistent presence in the majors this season, a year that has seen several top‑ranked players sidelined by injury. Carlos Alcaraz, the 2024 Australian Open champion, bowed out in the quarter‑finals after a hard‑fought loss to Shelton, still recovering from a lengthy lay‑off. World No.
1 Jannik Sinner withdrew before the tournament began due to a lingering injury, despite having captured the Wimbledon title earlier in the year. In contrast, Zverev’s recent résumé includes a breakthrough French Open title and a runner‑up finish at Wimbledon, where he fell to Sinner. Statistically, Zverev has compiled a 25‑2 record in Grand Slam matches during the 2026 calendar year, bolstering his belief that he is currently the best player alive. "You have to take everything into consideration," he told reporters.
"With Jannik injured and Carlos still coming back from a four‑month lay‑off, right now, probably yes. If both of them were healthy and at the top of their game, 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." Zverev admitted that his concentration on the match was so intense that he did not immediately realise he had secured the championship. When Shelton mishit a return, the umpire announced, "Game, set and match – Zverev," but the German champion continued to walk back to the baseline, preparing for the next serve.
Only after a brief pause did he notice the standing ovation from the crowd, prompting a delayed smile and a rush to the net to congratulate Shelton. Speaking to Sky Sports Tennis, Zverev recounted his mental state during the final moments: "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 teachers always say play each point and forget the score.
Well, I forgot the score and it helped me!" His candid remarks highlighted the sometimes‑counterintuitive nature of high‑pressure competition, where staying present can outweigh strategic calculations. With the upcoming release of the ATP rankings, Zverev is poised to close the gap on the top spot. He is projected to finish the season with 9,690 points, trailing Sinner by just 1,810 points.
Over the remainder of the year, Zverev is expected to lose only about 1,080 points, whereas Sinner may drop roughly 3,550 points, potentially opening a pathway for Zverev to become the 30th player in history to claim the world No. 1 ranking. 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 carried historical significance: he became the first Black American man to contest the US Open final since Arthur Ashe, whose name adorns the tournament's iconic center court, 54 years earlier.
The USTA has highlighted this milestone as part of its broader effort to diversify tennis, a mission reinforced by a partnership with the American Tennis Association aimed at increasing Black representation in a sport traditionally dominated by white athletes. Former US Open semi‑finalist and 2004 champion, who has followed Zverev’s career closely, praised the German's evolution over the past year. "The perseverance and the way Zverev's game has improved over the last 12 months is impressive," he noted.
"I was looking back at his Grand Slam results, and his game was going backwards. But he has transformed himself to be more aggressive, and when you reflect on 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 getting that third set, but losing his serve in the first game of the fourth settled Zverev down and gave him more energy. He coasted to the line from there." Beyond the immediate aftermath, Zverev’s victory may signal a shift in the balance of power on the men’s tour.
His ability to dominate on hard courts, combined with recent successes on clay and grass, demonstrates a versatility that few rivals have matched this season. Analysts point to his improved serve, more aggressive baseline play, and heightened mental resilience as key factors in his ascent.
If he can maintain his health and continue to refine his tactics, Zverev could enjoy a sustained period at the top, potentially reshaping the narrative that has long centered on the younger Spaniards Alcaraz and Sinner. Fans can continue to follow Zverev’s journey through live streams on platforms such as NOW and the Sky Sports app, and the upcoming Laver Cup at the O2 Arena in London from September 25‑27 will provide another stage for the German star to showcase his talents against the world’s elite.
The tennis world will be watching closely to see whether Zverev’s claim of being the current best player holds up as the season progresses and the field regains full strength.