Alexander Zverev, the tournament's top seed, put an end to American aspirations 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 secured the French Open title earlier in the season, Zverev added the New York trophy to his résumé in a match that featured a bizarre climax. On championship point, Shelton's return sailed long, yet 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 scoreboard did he realise he had already clinched the title.
Zverev’s achievements now include two Grand Slam championships, an Olympic gold medal, two ATP Finals victories, seven Masters 1000 titles, 26 tour‑level singles titles and a stint as world No. 1. When asked about his recent success, he told Sky Sports Tennis: “There has been so much hardship for the Zverev family at the Grand Slam level that perhaps 2026 should simply be a year of enjoyment.
Everything is falling into place and I am unbelievably happy.” Reflecting on his earlier mindset, Zverev added, “If three months ago someone had told me I would win only one Grand Slam in my career, I would have signed that contract immediately without question. To stand here with two major trophies within a few months is surreal.” He also recounted his confusion on the final point, admitting, “I thought the score was 5‑1. I knew I had broken him twice but believed he had held once. I was planning a relaxed service game followed by a tighter one.
It turned out to be lucky for me! Coaches always say to focus on each point and ignore the score – I ignored it and it actually helped.” 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 player to do so after Arthur Ashe in 1975.
He was welcomed by a fervent crowd of roughly 23,000 spectators in the stadium named after Ashe. Among the celebrity attendees were Brad Pitt, Rami Malek and James Bond legend 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 any player reaching a Grand Slam final since 1991. He began the championship match aggressively, breaking Shelton’s serve early and again on set point to seize the initiative. The American struggled to generate break opportunities in the first two sets as Zverev, the first No. 1 seed at a major in his career, leaned on his powerful serve to keep Shelton at bay.
Prior to this encounter, Shelton had lost all five of his previous meetings with Zverev and had never defeated either Stefanos Tsitsipas or Carlos Alcaraz – two of the sport’s biggest names – until his remarkable run in New York. This momentum gave him confidence heading into the final. Freed from the label of “the best player never to win a major” after his French Open triumph, Zverev dominated the second‑set tiebreak, moving within striking distance of the title. Shelton fought back, eventually creating three break points and converting the second, which briefly reignited the crowd’s energy.
However, Zverev’s dominance resurfaced in the fourth set, where an early break sealed the match. Zverev’s trademark ball‑bouncing, which occupied roughly three hours of his 23‑plus hours of play during the fortnight, even resulted in a time‑violation warning. Meanwhile, Shelton’s partner, soccer star Trinity Rodman, performed a logistical feat by traveling 200 miles from a Washington football field to Queens to attend the match, only to watch Zverev clinch his second major in three hours and 33 minutes.
In his post‑match interview, Zverev paid heartfelt tribute to his mother, Irina, a former professional player who refused to let his type‑1 diabetes define his future. He said, “When doctors told us a four‑year‑old with diabetes would have limited sporting options, my mother insisted he could become whatever he wanted. Her strength has been the cornerstone of my career.” He also praised Shelton, stating, “Ben, you’re an incredible athlete and a wonderful person.
This was your first Grand Slam final, but I’ve told you you’ll be back many times. I’d bet all my money you’ll lift this trophy someday.” 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 winning a major, he concluded 2026 with two Grand Slam crowns.
Shelton, whose country has not seen a male Grand Slam champion in over two decades, responded graciously: “Sascha, congratulations on your second major this year. Your serve and movement are phenomenal.
You work harder than anyone I know, and I’m genuinely happy for you. This is just the beginning for me; I’ll be back.” Former British No. 1 Tim Henman highlighted Zverev’s evolution, noting, “His game was regressing a year ago, but he transformed into a more aggressive player. He’s beaten Shelton five times in a row, and today he looked completely at ease.” Former Wimbledon champion Marion Bartoli emphasized the experience gap: “Shelton won the toss, served, fell to 30‑30, missed an easy shot and double‑faulted, handing Zverev the first break.
It’s tough to debut a Grand Slam final in front of a home crowd and meet those expectations. Zverev made only one unforced error in the first set, making it extremely difficult for Shelton.
There’s no shame in losing to a player performing at that level.” Fans can continue to follow tennis without a contract via the NOW platform and the Sky Sports app, which will also broadcast the upcoming Laver Cup at The O2 in London from 25‑27 September.