Top‑seed Alexander Zverev crushed American aspirations on Sunday, outlasting Ben Shelton in a four‑set showdown to capture his first US Open crown. The German displayed superior firepower, beating the eighth‑seeded American 6-3, 7-6 (7-2), 5-7, 6-2 in the climax at Flushing Meadows.
This triumph adds a New York title to Zverev's résumé, which already includes a French Open win earlier in the season. In a bizarre finale, Shelton’s return on match point sailed long, yet Zverev, apparently unaware that the point had ended, sent the ball back across the court as if another game were about to begin. Only after glancing at the big screen did he realise he had already secured the championship.
The victory marks Zverev’s second Grand Slam, his first Olympic gold, two ATP Finals crowns, seven Masters 1000 titles, 26 singles titles overall and positions him on the cusp of a possible world No. 1 ranking. When asked by Sky Sports Tennis about his journey, Zverev reflected, “There has been so much suffering for my family at Grand Slam level that perhaps 2026 is the year we finally enjoy it. Everything is falling into place and I’m unbelievably happy.” He added, “Three months ago, if someone told me I would win just one Grand Slam in my career, I would have signed that paper without hesitation.
To stand here with two major trophies within a few months is surreal.” Even Zverev admitted he was confused about the score on championship point, saying, “I thought the score was 5‑1. I knew I’d broken him twice, but I believed he’d only held once. I was planning a relaxed service game and then to get tighter on the next. It was lucky for me!
It’s funny—coaches tell you to play each point and ignore the score. I ignored it and it 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 man to claim a major after Arthur Ashe in 1975.
He was greeted 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 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, the fourth‑longest total for any player reaching a Grand Slam final since 1991. He started the final explosively, breaking Shelton’s serve in the opening game and again on set point to seize the first set.
The American struggled to generate any break points in the opening two sets as Zverev, playing as the top seed in a major for the first time, leaned on his powerful serve to keep Shelton at bay. Prior to this match, Shelton had lost all five of his previous meetings with Zverev and had never beaten Stefanos Tsitsipas or Carlos Alcaraz—until his remarkable run in New York, which gave him confidence heading into the final. Zverev, now free of the label “the best player never to win a major” after his French Open success, dominated the second‑set tiebreak, pulling within a whisker of the title. Shelton fought back valiantly, creating three break points and converting the second, prompting a roar from the crowd as Zverev’s serve faltered briefly.
However, the match was essentially decided when Zverev broke early in the fourth set, capitalising on the fatigue and injury concerns that had plagued rivals Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner throughout the season. Zverev’s habit of bouncing the ball between serves—statistics show he spent roughly three hours of his 23‑plus hours on court doing so—ultimately led to a time‑violation warning.
Meanwhile, Shelton’s girlfriend Trinity Rodman performed a logistical feat, traveling 200 miles from a Washington football field to Queens to sit in the players’ box, only to watch Zverev clinch his second major in a 3‑hour‑33‑minute match. After the win, Zverev paid heartfelt tribute to his mother Irina, a former professional who refused to let his type‑1 diabetes define his future. “When doctors told us my four‑year‑old son’s diabetes would limit his life and sport, my mother said, ‘He will be whatever he wants.’ She is the strongest person I know; her resolve made this possible.” Zverev also lauded Shelton, stating, “Ben, you’re an amazing player and person.
This was your first Grand Slam final, but I’ve told you before you’ll be back many times. If I had to bet all my money, I’d bet you’ll lift this trophy one day.” The head‑to‑head 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 doubt, Zverev ends 2026 with two majors in his cabinet.
Shelton, whose last American male Grand Slam champion was over two decades ago, 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.
You and your team do everything right, and I’m genuinely happy for you. I’m just getting started and will 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. A year ago his Grand Slam results were slipping, but he’s become more aggressive and, as the stats show, he’s beaten Shelton five times straight.” Former Wimbledon champion Marion Bartoli added, “The experience gap was massive.
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 play your first Grand Slam final in front of a home crowd, but Zverev made only one unforced error in the first set, making it extremely hard for Shelton. There’s no shame in losing to a player performing at this level."