Top‑seed Alexander Zverev shattered the hopes of the United States on Sunday, defeating Ben Shelton in a four‑set showdown to secure his first US Open crown. The German displayed superior firepower, outlasting the eighth‑seeded American 6‑3, 7‑6 (7‑2), 5‑7, 6‑2 in the championship match at Flushing Meadows.
This triumph adds a New York title to Zverev’s résumé, which already includes a French Open victory earlier in the season. The finale concluded in an odd fashion: Shelton’s return on match point sailed long, yet Zverev, seemingly unaware that the point had ended, returned the ball across the court as if another rally were about to begin. Only after glancing at the scoreboard did he realize he had already clinched the championship. Zverev’s career accolades now read: two Grand Slam titles, an Olympic gold medal, two ATP Finals championships, seven ATP Masters 1000 crowns, 26 singles titles and a brief stint as world No.
1 – with many wondering if he might soon reclaim that top spot. In a post‑match interview with Sky Sports Tennis, Zverev reflected on his journey: “There has been so much hardship for my family at the Grand Slam level that perhaps 2026 should be a year we simply enjoy. Everything is falling into place and I’m unbelievably happy.” He added, “Three months ago, if someone told me I would win only one Grand Slam in my career, I would have signed the contract immediately without question.
Now, standing here with two majors in a few short months, it feels 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’d held serve once. I was planning a relaxed service game and then to get aggressive on the next. It was lucky for me!
It’s funny – coaches always say to play each point and forget the score. I forgot the score, and it actually helped me.” Shelton entered the final with the chance to become the first American man to lift a Grand Slam singles trophy since Andy Roddick’s 2003 US Open win, and only the second Black male champion after Arthur Ashe’s 1975 triumph. He received a thunderous welcome from a 23,000‑strong crowd in the stadium named after Ashe.
Among the spectators were Hollywood stars Brad Pitt, Rami Malek and James Bond legend 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, the fourth‑longest cumulative time for any player reaching a Grand Slam final since 1991.
He began the championship match emphatically, breaking Shelton’s serve in the opening game and again on set point, establishing early dominance. Shelton struggled to generate break opportunities in the first two sets as Zverev, the tournament’s top seed for the first time, relied on his booming serve to keep the American at bay. Historically, Shelton had lost all five previous encounters with Zverev.
Yet he arrived in New York having never beaten either Stefanos Tsitsipas or, more notably, Carlos Alcaraz – victories he secured earlier in the tournament, fueling optimism ahead of the final. Freed from the stigma of being the “best player never to win a major” after his French Open success, Zverev seized the second‑set tiebreak, moving within striking distance of the title.
Shelton, refusing to capitulate, fought back and earned three break‑point chances, converting the second to force a third set. However, Zverev’s momentum proved decisive; he broke early in the fourth set, and despite a brief resurgence from Shelton, the German’s relentless play sealed the match.
Zverev’s characteristic ball‑bouncing – he spent roughly three hours of his 23‑plus hours on court this fortnight bouncing between serves – even resulted in a time‑violation warning. Meanwhile, Shelton’s partner, soccer star Trinity Rodman, performed a logistical feat, traveling 200 miles from a Washington football field to Queens to join him in his box, only to watch the German clinch his second Grand Slam in just over three and a half hours. After the victory, Zverev paid heartfelt tribute to his mother, Irina, a former professional player who refused to let his type‑1 diabetes define his future. “When your four‑year‑old son is diagnosed with diabetes and doctors say his life and sport will be limited, it takes an incredibly strong mother to say, ‘My son will be whatever he wants.’ If he wants tennis, he’ll play tennis.
This illness will not dictate us.” He also lauded Shelton, stating, “Ben, you’re an amazing player and an amazing 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 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 favor, marking his 26th career title, his 60th win over a top‑10 opponent, and solidifying his status as a two‑time major champion in 2026. Shelton, whose nation has not produced a male Grand Slam champion in over two decades, responded graciously: “Sascha, congratulations on your second Grand Slam this 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: “His perseverance and the way his game has improved over the last year are remarkable.
He was regressing in Grand Slams, but he transformed into a more aggressive player. He’s beaten Shelton five times in a row, and Shelton had to rewrite the narrative, yet Zverev looked completely comfortable.” Former Wimbledon champion Marion Bartoli highlighted the experience gap: “The difference in experience was massive. In the first game, Shelton won the toss, served, fell to 30‑30, missed an easy shot and double‑faulted, giving Zverev the first break. It’s not easy to debut a Grand Slam final in front of a home crowd, but Zverev made only one unforced error in the opening set, making Shelton’s job extremely hard.
There’s no shame in losing to a player performing at that level.” Fans can stream tennis without a contract via NOW and the Sky Sports app, and the Laver Cup will be broadcast live from The O2 in London from 25‑27 September on Sky Sports.