Top‑seed Alexander Zverev shattered American hopes on Sunday by defeating Ben Shelton in a four‑set showdown 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 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, underscoring his emergence as a true Grand Slam contender. The final featured a bizarre climax: Shelton's match‑point return sailed long, yet Zverev, apparently unaware that the point had ended, tossed the ball back across the net as if preparing for another rally.
Only after glancing at the stadium screen did he realize the match was over and he had secured the championship. The moment captured the surreal joy and relief that often accompanies a hard‑won major. Zverev's résumé now reads: two Grand Slam titles, an Olympic gold medal, two ATP Finals crowns, seven Masters 1000 victories, 26 singles titles and, perhaps soon, a stint as world No. 1.
He reflected on his journey, telling Sky Sports Tennis, "There has been a lot of suffering for my family at Grand Slam events, so maybe 2026 is the year we finally enjoy the fruits of that labor. Everything is falling into place, and I am unbelievably happy." He 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.
To stand here with two majors in a matter of months is incredible." When asked about his confusion on championship point, Zverev laughed, "I thought the score was 5‑1. I knew I had broken him twice but assumed he held once.
I was planning a relaxed service game and then to get aggressive on the next. It was lucky for me!" He also noted a common coaching mantra—"play each point, forget the score"—and admitted that forgetting the score actually helped him in that crucial moment. Shelton entered the match with the prospect of becoming the first American man to win a Grand Slam singles title since Andy Roddick in 2003, and only the second Black male champion after Arthur Ashe in 1975.
He received a thunderous welcome from a crowd of roughly 23,000 spectators inside the stadium named after Ashe. Among the celebrity spectators were Brad Pitt, Rami Malek, and James Bond legend Pierce Brosnan, who was caught on camera with the match clock flashing a mere 0.07 seconds.
Shelton's path to the final was grueling: he logged 19 hours and 38 minutes of court time throughout the tournament, the fourth‑longest total for a finalist since 1991. Yet Zverev, playing as the top seed in a Grand Slam for the first time, launched an aggressive start, breaking Shelton's serve in the opening game and again on set point to seize early momentum.
The American struggled to generate break opportunities in the first two sets, while Zverev's powerful serve kept him 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. Nonetheless, his run in New York gave him confidence heading into the final. Zverev, having shed the label of "best player never to win a major" after his French Open triumph, dominated the second‑set tiebreak and moved within striking distance of the title.
Shelton fought back in the third set, creating three break points and eventually converting the second to level the match at 2‑2 in sets. However, Zverev's relentless pressure and his ability to capitalize on Alcaraz's and Jannik Sinner's injuries earlier in the season proved decisive.
He broke early in the fourth set, and despite a brief resurgence from Shelton, Zverev sealed the victory in just over three and a half hours. An interesting side note: Zverev's habit of bouncing the ball between serves—statistics show he spent roughly three hours of his 23‑plus hours on court this fortnight doing so—ultimately led to a time‑violation warning. Meanwhile, Shelton's girlfriend, USWNT star Trinity Rodman, performed a logistical feat by traveling 200 miles from a football pitch in Washington to Queens to watch the match, only to see Zverev clinch his second major.
After the win, 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 my four‑year‑old son had diabetes and that his sporting life would be limited, my mother said, 'My son will be whatever he wants to be.' She fought for me, and I am grateful every day for her strength." He also lauded Shelton, stating, "Ben, you are an incredible player 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 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.
Shelton, reflecting on the loss, remained optimistic: "Sascha, congratulations on two Grand Slams in one year. Your serving and movement are phenomenal, and you work harder than anyone I know. You and your team have done everything right, and I’m happy for you. This is just the beginning for me; I’ll be back in New York again." Former British No.
1 Tim Henman praised Zverev's evolution, noting that a year ago his Grand Slam results were declining, but he has since become more aggressive and confident. He highlighted Zverev's five‑match winning streak over Shelton and credited Zverev's composure in the fourth set for the decisive edge.
Former Wimbledon champion Marion Bartoli emphasized the experience gap, pointing out that Shelton's first‑set break came after a double fault and a missed easy shot. She remarked that playing your first Grand Slam final in front of a home crowd adds pressure, and Zverev's near‑flawless play—only one unforced error in the opening set—made it extremely difficult for Shelton to compete. The match also underscored a broader narrative in men's tennis: Zverev's resurgence amid the occasional absences of rivals like Alcaraz and Sinner, his ability to convert opportunities, and his growing confidence on the biggest stages. As the season progresses, fans will watch to see whether Zverev can maintain this momentum and perhaps finally claim the world No.
1 ranking he so clearly deserves. For viewers who missed the live broadcast, the match is available on the Sky Sports app and NOW platform without a contract, and the Laver Cup will be streamed from the O2 in London later this month.