Alexander Zverev, the tournament's top seed, delivered a decisive performance on Sunday, defeating Ben Shelton in four sets to capture his first US Open crown. The German star outplayed the eighth‑seeded American, securing the match 6-3, 7-6 (7-2), 5-7, 6-2 on the iconic courts of Flushing Meadows. Having already lifted the French Open trophy earlier in the year, Zverev added a New York title to his résumé, completing a remarkable double‑major feat.
The climax of the final was unusually theatrical: Shelton’s match‑point return sailed long, yet Zverev, apparently unaware that the point had ended, hit the ball back across the net as if another rally were about to begin. Only after glancing at the stadium screen did he realize he had already clinched the championship. Zverev’s résumé now reads: two Grand Slam crowns, an Olympic gold medal, two ATP Finals titles, seven Masters 1000 victories, 26 singles titles, and a former world No. 1 ranking – a résumé that suggests he could soon return to the top spot.
In a post‑match interview with Sky Sports Tennis, the German reflected on his journey: "There has been a lot of hardship for my family at the Grand Slam level, so perhaps 2026 is the year we finally get to enjoy it. Everything is falling into place and I’m unbelievably happy." He continued, "If three months ago someone had told me I would win only one Grand Slam in my career, I would have signed that paper immediately. Now, standing here with two major trophies in just a few 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’d broken him twice, but I believed he’d held serve only once.
I was planning a relaxed service game followed by a tighter one. It was lucky for me! Coaches always say to play each point and forget the score – I forgot the score and it actually helped." Shelton entered the final with historic stakes.
He aimed to become the first American man to win a Grand Slam singles title since Andy Roddick’s 2003 triumph, and only the second Black man to capture a major after Arthur Ashe’s 1975 victory. The atmosphere was electric, with a crowd of 23,000 cheering in a stadium named after Ashe. Celebrities such as Brad Pitt, Rami Malek, and James Bond legend Pierce Brosnan were in attendance, the latter captured 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 total for any player reaching a Grand Slam final since 1991. He started the championship strongly, breaking Shelton’s serve in the opening game and again on set point, establishing early dominance.
Shelton struggled to generate break points in the first two sets, while Zverev, seeded No. 1 at a major for the first time, wielded his powerful serve to keep the American at bay. Historically, Shelton had lost all five of his previous encounters with Zverev. Yet he arrived in New York having never beaten either Stefanos Tsitsipas or, more notably, Carlos Alcaraz – until this tournament, when he finally secured victories that fueled his confidence heading into the final.
After Zverev’s French Open triumph, the label of "best player never to win a major" was finally shed, and he approached the US Open with newfound freedom. He dominated the second‑set tiebreak, pulling within striking distance of the title. Shelton, however, showed resilience, creating three break points and converting the second to force a third set.
The German’s serve faltered briefly, allowing Shelton a brief surge, but Zverev quickly re‑asserted control. The fourth set proved decisive. Zverev broke early and never looked back, capitalising on the fatigue that had affected rivals like Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner throughout the season. His habit of bouncing the ball between serves – a ritual that accounted for roughly three hours of his total court time during the fortnight – eventually led to a time‑violation warning, yet it did not hinder his momentum.
Meanwhile, Shelton’s girlfriend, US women’s soccer star Trinity Rodman, performed a logistical feat, traveling 200 miles from a Washington football pitch to Queens in time to join him in his box. Unfortunately for her, the trip proved futile as Zverev sealed his second Grand Slam title in a 3‑hour‑33‑minute match.
Following 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 athletic prospects are limited, it takes an incredibly strong mother to say, ‘My son will be whatever he wants.’" Zverev said. "If he wants to be a tennis player, he’ll be a tennis player. My mother’s strength helped us overcome that challenge." He also praised Shelton, stating, "Ben, you’re an amazing player and a wonderful 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." Zverev now leads their head‑to‑head 6‑0, marking his 26th career title, his 60th victory over a top‑10 opponent, and cementing his status as a two‑time major champion in 2026. Shelton, still young and hungry, responded graciously: "Sascha, congratulations on two weeks, two Grand Slam titles in one year.
Your serving and movement are incredible. You work harder than anyone I know.
I’m just getting started and I’ll be back." Former British No. 1 Tim Henman, commenting for Sky Sports Tennis, highlighted Zverev’s transformation: "His game was regressing, but over the past twelve months he became more aggressive.
He’s beaten Shelton five times in a row, and today he looked completely comfortable." Former Wimbledon champion Marion Bartoli added, "The experience gap was massive. In the first game, Shelton won the toss, served, fell to 30‑30, missed an easy shot and then double‑faulted, handing Zverev the first break. It’s tough to debut a 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 that level." The match also underscored the broader narrative of American men’s tennis, which has awaited a breakthrough since Roddick’s 2003 win. While Shelton fell short, his run signalled a resurgence, and his historic attempt to become only the second Black man to win a major added cultural significance. Fans can continue to follow tennis action without a contract on the NOW platform and the Sky Sports app, with upcoming events such as the Laver Cup at The O2 in London from 25‑27 September available for live streaming on Sky Sports.