Alexander Zverev is convinced that he now occupies the top spot in men's tennis, a belief that follows his dramatic victory at the US Open. The German star clinched the championship by defeating American hopeful Ben Shelton in the final on Sunday, a result that left the New York crowd in a state of disappointment. The match marked Zverev's sixth appearance in a Grand Slam final, while Shelton was making his debut at this stage.
The contest unfolded with a 6-3, 7-6 (7-2), 5-7, 6-2 scoreline, a performance that effectively ended America's chances of securing its first male champion since Andy Roddick's win in 2003. Throughout the 2026 season, Zverev has been the most consistent presence in the later stages of majors. While Carlos Alcaraz, the Australian Open champion, suffered a quarter‑final exit at the hands of Shelton after returning from a lengthy injury lay‑off, world number one Jannik Sinner withdrew before the tournament began due to a fresh injury after his Wimbledon triumph. In this context, Zverev's triumph feels especially significant.
Earlier in the year, Zverev broke through at Roland Garros to claim his first Grand Slam title, then reached the final at Wimbledon, where he fell to Sinner. His 2026 Grand Slam record stands at an impressive 25 wins against just two losses, a statistic that fuels his confidence.
"You have to take everything into consideration," Zverev explained when asked about his standing. "With Jannik injured and Carlos still recovering from a four‑month lay‑off, I would say yes, I am the best right now.
If both of them were fully healthy and at the peak of their games, the answer might be different. Four or five months ago, when they were both fit, I was losing to Jannik all the time. So, if everyone is healthy, Jannik probably still has the edge. It's as simple as that." During the final, Zverev was so absorbed in the point‑by‑point battle that he didn't immediately realize he had secured the championship when Shelton's return sailed long.
The umpire's announcement of "Game, set and match, Zverev" seemed to catch the German off guard; he walked back to the baseline, prepared to receive Shelton's next serve, before the roar of the crowd finally registered. A delayed smile spread across his face as he sprinted to the net to congratulate his opponent. In a post‑match interview with Sky Sports Tennis, Zverev recounted his mindset: "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!" He added a touch of humor, noting a common piece of tennis advice: "Coaches always say play each point and forget the score. Well, I forgot the score and it actually helped me!" Looking ahead, Zverev is positioned to make a serious push for the world No.
1 ranking. When the next edition of the ATP rankings is published, his points total is projected to be 9,690, leaving him just 1,810 points behind Sinner. Over the remainder of the season, Zverev is expected to lose only about 1,080 points, whereas Sinner could see a drop of roughly 3,550 points, potentially reshaping the top of the leaderboard.
Shelton, for his part, expressed his enthusiasm for the experience: "It's such a cool moment. Walking out onto that court today, there's nothing like it. I've never felt anything like that before. It's an addictive feeling being in positions like this," the 23‑year‑old said.
The USTA has previously highlighted Taylor Fritz's 2024 campaign as evidence of progress within American tennis, especially after a sweeping overhaul of its player‑development program that began in 2008. The governing body has also taken steps to broaden the sport's demographic reach, forging a partnership with the American Tennis Association last year to promote Black representation in a sport that has historically been dominated by white athletes. Shelton's presence in the final was historic in its own right.
He became the first Black American man to compete in the New York final in 54 years, the last being Arthur Ashe, after whom the tournament's iconic court is named. Reflecting on his journey, Shelton remarked, "I don't think I'm anywhere near the player I want to be yet. I think I'm a great competitor and I compete really well on the court. I can stay focused for many, many hours, and I believe that will help me in the future." Former US Open semi‑finalist and 2004 finalist Tim Smyczek praised Zverev's evolution over the past year: "The perseverance and the way Zverev's game has improved over the last 12 months is remarkable.
Looking back at his Grand Slam results, his game seemed to be regressing, but he has transformed into a more aggressive player. In this matchup, Zverev had beaten Shelton five times in a row, and he looked completely comfortable.
Shelton fought hard to take the third set, but losing his serve early in the fourth gave Zverev the momentum he needed to close out the match." Beyond the immediate aftermath, Zverev's win adds a new chapter to his career narrative. After years of being labeled a perpetual runner‑up, his ability to capture a second major title—first at the French Open, now at the US Open—demonstrates a maturity and resilience that many analysts have long expected. His improved serve, more aggressive baseline play, and heightened mental toughness have all contributed to his ascent.
The victory also reshapes the broader competitive landscape. With Alcaraz still on the mend and Sinner dealing with injury setbacks, the field is more open than it has been in recent seasons. Younger talents such as 22‑year‑old Jannik Sinner and 21‑year‑old Carlos Alcaraz will likely return to full fitness, setting the stage for compelling rivalries in the coming years. For now, Zverev enjoys the spotlight and the confidence that comes with being the reigning US Open champion.
Fans can continue to follow Zverev's journey through live streams on platforms like NOW and the Sky Sports app, and the upcoming Laver Cup at The O2 in London (September 25‑27) will provide another high‑profile stage for the German star to showcase his game. The tennis world will be watching closely to see whether Zverev can convert his current momentum into sustained dominance at the top of the sport.