Alexander Zverev, the tournament's top seed, shattered American hopes on Sunday by defeating Ben Shelton in a four‑set final 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 on the iconic courts of Flushing Meadows. Having already added a French Open title to his résumé earlier in the year, Zverev now boasts two Grand Slam triumphs in a single season. The match concluded in an unusual fashion: on match point, Shelton's return sailed long, but Zverev, apparently unaware that the point had ended, sent the ball back across the net as if another rally were about to begin.
Only after glancing at the arena screen did he realize he had already secured the championship. Zverev's growing list of achievements reads like a modern tennis hall of fame: two Grand Slam victories, an Olympic gold medal, two ATP Finals titles, seven ATP Masters 1000 crowns, 26 singles titles and a stint at world No.
1 – a status he seems poised to reclaim. In his post‑match interview with Sky Sports Tennis, Zverev reflected on the emotional journey his family has endured at the sport's highest level. "There has been so much suffering for the Zverev family at Grand Slam events that perhaps 2026 should simply be a year we enjoy," he said, smiling. "Everything is falling into place and I am unbelievably happy." He added, "Three months ago, if someone had told me I would win just one Grand Slam in my career, I would have signed that paper without hesitation.
To stand here now with two major trophies within months of each other is surreal." When asked about his momentary confusion on championship point, Zverev laughed, "I thought the score was 5‑1. I knew I had broken him twice, but I believed he had held serve once.
I was planning a relaxed service game and then to get aggressive on the next. It turned out to be lucky for me! Coaches always tell us to play each point and forget the score – I forgot the score and it helped!" Shelton entered the final with historic ambitions. He aimed 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.
The atmosphere was electric, with a crowd of roughly 23,000 cheering in the Arthur Ashe Stadium. Celebrities such as Brad Pitt, Rami Malek and Pierce Brosnan were spotted in the stands, the latter captured 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, the fourth‑longest cumulative time for a player reaching a Grand Slam final since 1991.
He began the championship match aggressively, breaking Shelton in the opening game and again on set point, establishing early dominance. The American could not generate a break point in the first two sets as Zverev, seeded No.
1 for the first time at a major, used his powerful serve to keep Shelton on the defensive. Historically, Shelton had lost all five previous encounters with Zverev and had yet to defeat either Stefanos Tsitsipas or Carlos Alcaraz before this tournament. Nevertheless, his run in New York gave him confidence heading into the final.
After clinching the first set, Zverev continued his momentum into a decisive second‑set tiebreak, which he won convincingly, pulling within a single set of the title. Shelton, refusing to surrender, fought back in the third, creating three break points and eventually converting the second to level the match at 2‑1. However, Zverev’s experience and fitness—enhanced by the absence of rivals like Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner at various stages of the season—allowed him to break early in the fourth set and seal the championship. An often‑noticed quirk of Zverev’s game is his prolific ball‑bouncing routine.
Statistics show he spent roughly three hours of his 23‑plus hours on court this fortnight bouncing the ball between serves, a habit that eventually led to a time‑violation warning. Shelton’s partner, USWNT star Trinity Rodman, performed a logistical feat by traveling 200 miles from a Washington soccer field to Queens in time to join him in his box, only to watch his opponent claim the trophy.
Despite the disappointment, Shelton remained optimistic, declaring, "This is just the beginning; I’ll be back here again." After the match, Zverev paid heartfelt tribute to his mother, Irina, a former professional player who refused to let his type‑1 diabetes define his future. "When my son was four and diagnosed, doctors said his sports prospects were limited.
My mother said, ‘He will be whatever he wants to be.’ That strength helped us overcome the disease and pursue tennis at the highest level," Zverev said. He also praised Shelton, stating, "Ben, you’re an incredible player and 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 at 6‑0 in Zverev’s favour, marking his 26th career title and 60th victory over a top‑10 opponent.
After years of speculation about his ability to win a major, Zverev closed 2026 with two Grand Slam crowns. Shelton, reflecting on the loss, congratulated Zverev: "Sascha, congratulations on two weeks, two Grand Slams in one year.
Your serving and movement are incredible, you work harder than anyone I know, and you deserve this title. I'm just getting started and will be back." Former British No. 1 Tim Henman praised Zverev’s evolution, noting that a year ago his Grand Slam results were declining, but he has become more aggressive and confident. Former Wimbledon champion Marion Bartoli highlighted the experience gap, recalling Shelton’s early mistakes in the final and emphasizing that Zverev made only one unforced error in the opening set, making it extremely difficult for the American to compete.
The match was broadcast worldwide, with streaming options available on NOW and the Sky Sports app, and the Laver Cup scheduled for later in September at The O2 in London.