Alexander Zverev, the tournament’s top seed, shattered the hopes of the United States on Sunday by defeating Ben Shelton in a four‑set showdown to secure his first US Open crown. The German displayed a level of dominance that the eighth‑seeded American could not match, sealing the final with a 6‑3, 7‑6 (7‑2), 5‑7, 6‑2 triumph on the iconic hard courts of Flushing Meadows.
Having already added a French Open title to his résumé earlier in the year, Zverev’s New York win marked a remarkable double‑major achievement. The match concluded in an unusual fashion: Shelton’s return on match point sailed long, yet Zverev, apparently unaware that the point had ended, returned the ball to the opposite side of the court as if another rally were about to begin. Only after glancing at the stadium’s scoreboard did he realise he had already clinched the championship. Zverev’s résumé now reads: two Grand Slam titles, an Olympic gold medal, two ATP Finals victories, seven ATP Masters 1000 crowns, 26 singles titles and a former world No.
1 ranking – with many wondering if a return to the top spot is imminent. In a post‑match interview with Sky Sports Tennis, Zverev reflected on the emotional journey that led to this moment. “The Zverev family has endured a great deal of hardship at Grand Slam events,” he said. “Perhaps 2026 is the year we finally get to enjoy the fruits of that labor.
Everything is falling into place and I’m beyond thrilled.” He added, “If someone had told me three months ago that I would win two Grand Slams within a few months, I would have signed that contract without hesitation. Holding two trophies so close together is surreal.” When asked about his confusion on championship point, Zverev laughed, “I thought the score was 5‑1. I knew I’d broken him twice, but I assumed he’d held 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 you to play each point and forget the score – I forgot the score and it actually helped.” Shelton entered the final with historic aspirations. He was on the verge of becoming the first American man to win a Grand Slam singles title since Andy Roddick’s 2003 US Open triumph and only the second Black male champion after Arthur Ashe’s 1975 victory. The crowd of roughly 23,000 gave him a thunderous welcome, and the stands were peppered with celebrities such as Brad Pitt, Rami Malek and James Bond alumnus Pierce Brosnan, who was caught on camera with the match clock showing a dramatic 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 cumulative time for a finalist since 1991.
He began the championship match aggressively, breaking Shelton’s serve in the opening game and again on set point, establishing early control. The first two sets saw Shelton unable to generate a single break point, as Zverev’s powerful serve and precise groundstrokes kept the American at bay. Historically, Shelton had lost all five of his previous encounters with Zverev and had never beaten either Stefanos Tsitsipas or Carlos Alcaraz before this event.
His run to the final, however, gave him confidence, especially after toppling Alcaraz en route to the title match. Free from the stigma of being the “best player never to win a major,” a label that lingered before his French Open success, Zverev dominated the second‑set tiebreak, moving within a single set of the championship.
Shelton rallied in the third, producing three break points and eventually converting the second to take the set 7‑5, briefly reviving the contest. Nevertheless, Zverev’s momentum proved decisive. He broke early in the fourth set and, despite a brief interruption caused by a ball‑bouncing time‑violation—statistics show he spent roughly three hours of his 23‑plus hour tournament bouncing the ball between serves—he maintained composure.
Meanwhile, Shelton’s partner, USWNT star Trinity Rodman, made a remarkable 200‑mile dash from a Washington football field to Queens to watch her boyfriend, only to see Zverev clinch the title after a three‑hour‑and‑33‑minute battle. In the aftermath, Zverev offered heartfelt gratitude to his mother, Irina, a former professional player who refused to let his type‑1 diabetes dictate his future. “When doctors told us a four‑year‑old with diabetes would have limited athletic prospects, my mother insisted he could be anything he wanted,” Zverev said. “Her strength and belief have been the cornerstone of my career.” He also paid tribute to Shelton, stating, “Ben, you’re an extraordinary talent and a wonderful person.
This was your first Grand Slam final, but I have no doubt you’ll be back here many more times. If I had to bet my entire fortune, I’d wager 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, his 60th victory over a top‑10 opponent, and cementing his status as a two‑time Grand Slam champion in 2026. Shelton, still young and eager, responded positively: “Sascha, congratulations on these two weeks and your second major. Your serve, movement, and work ethic are unmatched.
You and your team have done everything right, and I’m thrilled for you. I’m just getting started and will be back.” Former British No. 1 Tim Henman praised Zverev’s evolution, noting, “A year ago his Grand Slam results were sliding backward. He’s become more aggressive, and his transformation is evident.
He’s beaten Shelton five times consecutively, and today he was completely at ease.” Former Wimbledon champion Marion Bartoli highlighted the experience gap, explaining, “Shelton’s first Grand Slam final was a pressure cooker. He won the toss, served, fell behind 30‑30, missed an easy shot and double‑faulted, giving Zverev the opening break.
Zverev made only one unforced error in the first set, making it extremely difficult for Shelton. Losing to a player performing at that level is nothing to be ashamed of.” For fans wanting to relive the drama, the match is available for streaming on NOW and the Sky Sports app, with the Laver Cup also scheduled at the O2 in London from 25‑27 September.