Alexander Zverev is convinced that he now stands as the premier tennis talent on the planet after clinching the US Open crown. The German star overcame American hopeful Ben Shelton in the championship match on Sunday, a result that left the home crowd in New York feeling profoundly disappointed.
The final marked Zverev's sixth appearance in a Grand Slam final, while Shelton was making his debut at this stage of a major tournament. The experience gap was evident in the 6-3, 7-6 (7-2), 5-7, 6-2 scoreline, which extinguished any lingering hopes of an American male champion for the first time since Andy Roddick’s 2003 triumph. Throughout the 2026 season, Zverev has been the most consistent force in the majors. The year has seen Carlos Alcaraz, the Australian Open champion, bow out in the US Open quarter‑finals after a long injury lay‑off, and world No.
1 Jannik Sinner withdraw before the tournament began due to a fresh injury despite having just secured Wimbledon. In contrast, Zverev’s campaign has been uninterrupted, culminating in his first Grand Slam victory at the French Open and a runner‑up finish at Wimbledon, where he fell to Sinner. His Grand Slam record this year stands at an impressive 25 wins to just two losses, a statistic that bolsters his belief that he is, at this moment, the best player in the world. "You have to take everything into consideration," Zverev explained.
"With Jannik injured and Carlos returning from a four‑month lay‑off, I would say yes, right now I’m the top player. If both of them were healthy and at the peak of their game, perhaps the answer would be different.
Four or five months ago, when they were both fit, I was losing to Jannik all the time. If everyone is healthy, I think Jannik still has the edge. It's as simple as that." During the final, Zverev was so absorbed in his own game plan that he didn’t immediately realize he had secured the title when Shelton mishit a return.
The umpire’s proclamation of "Game, set and match, Zverev" seemed to echo in a stadium still buzzing with applause. Only after a brief pause did the German champion register the crowd’s standing ovation, break into a smile, and rush to the net to congratulate Shelton.
Speaking to Sky Sports Tennis after the match, Zverev admitted a momentary scoring confusion: "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’ll 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 coaching mantra: "Teachers in tennis say play each point and forget about the score. Well, I forgot about the score and it helped me!" This light‑hearted comment underscored his mental resilience and focus under pressure.
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 released, he is projected to hold 9,690 points, trailing Jannik Sinner by just 1,810 points.
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 opening the door for Zverev to claim the top spot. Shelton, the 23‑year‑old American, expressed enthusiasm about the experience of playing on tennis’s biggest stage. "It’s such a cool moment.
Walking out on 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," he said, reflecting on the emotional weight of the occasion.
The USTA has 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 sought to broaden the sport’s demographic reach through a partnership with the American Tennis Association, aiming to increase Black representation in a sport historically dominated by white athletes. Shelton’s presence in the final was historically significant: he became the first Black American man to compete in a US Open men’s final in 54 years, the last being the legendary Arthur Ashe, after whom the tournament’s centerpiece court is named. "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 very well on the court," Shelton reflected. "I can stay focused for many, many hours, and I think that will help me in the future." Former US Open semi‑finalist and 2004 finalist, who observed Zverev’s evolution, praised the German’s perseverance and recent improvements: "Looking back at his Grand Slam results, his game seemed to be regressing. But over the past twelve months 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 a surge of energy, and he coasted from there." Beyond the immediate aftermath, Zverev’s victory adds a new chapter to his career narrative. After years of being labeled a perpetual runner‑up, his French Open win and now a US Open title signal a transition from perennial contender to dominant champion.
Analysts note that his improved serve, more proactive baseline play, and heightened mental fortitude have collectively elevated his game. For fans eager to relive the drama, the match is available for streaming on platforms such as NOW and the Sky Sports app, with additional coverage of upcoming events like the Laver Cup scheduled to take place at The O2 in London from September 25‑27, broadcast live on Sky Sports.