Alexander Zverev, the top‑seeded German, delivered a decisive performance on Sunday to end American hopes and capture his first US Open crown. In a four‑set showdown, Zverev outlasted the eighth‑seeded Ben Shelton, winning 6‑3, 7‑6 (7‑2), 5‑7, 6‑2 on the iconic courts of Flushing Meadows. The triumph adds a New York major to Zverev’s résumé, which already included a French Open title earlier in the season.
The final featured a peculiar climax: on match point, Shelton’s return sailed long, yet Zverev, apparently unaware that the point had ended, struck the ball back across the net 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 growing list of achievements now reads: two Grand Slam titles, an Olympic gold medal, two ATP Finals victories, seven Masters 1000 crowns, 26 tour‑level singles titles and a recent stint at world No. 1 – a status he hints may return soon. When asked by Sky Sports Tennis about his recent success, Zverev reflected, “There has been so much hardship for my family at Grand Slam events that perhaps 2026 is the year we finally get to enjoy it.
Everything feels right, and I’m unbelievably happy.” He added, “Three months ago, if someone told me I’d win just one Grand Slam in my career, I would have signed that contract without question. To stand here with two major trophies within months is simply astonishing.” Regarding his momentary confusion on championship point, Zverev laughed, “I thought the score was 5‑1. I knew I’d broken him twice but assumed he’d held once. I was planning a relaxed service game, then a tighter one.
It was lucky for me! Coaches always say play each point and forget the score – I forgot the score, and it actually helped.” Shelton entered the match with the ambition 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 player ever to do so after Arthur Ashe’s historic 1975 victory. He was welcomed by a roaring crowd of roughly 23,000 spectators in the Arthur Ashe Stadium, with celebrities such as Brad Pitt, Rami Malek and Pierce Brosnan in attendance. Brosnan even caught a playful camera shot showing the match clock at 0.07 seconds.
Zverev’s path to the final was grueling: he logged 19 hours and 38 minutes on court across the tournament, the fourth‑longest total for a finalist since 1991. Yet he started the final aggressively, 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, leaned on his powerful serve to keep the American at bay. Historically, Shelton had lost all five previous meetings with Zverev and had never defeated either Stefanos Tsitsipas or Carlos Alcaraz before this event.
Nonetheless, his run to the final, which included a breakthrough over Alcaraz, gave him confidence heading into the championship match. Freed from the label of “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 rallied in the third set, creating three break opportunities and eventually converting one to take the set 7‑5, briefly reviving his hopes.
However, Zverev’s momentum proved too strong; he broke early in the fourth set and, despite a brief time‑violation for excessive ball‑bouncing – a habit that saw him spend roughly three hours of his total court time bouncing between serves – he closed out the match in 3 hours 33 minutes. Shelton’s partner, USWNT star Trinity Rodman, made a remarkable 200‑mile journey from a football pitch in Washington to Queens to watch the final, only to see Zverev lift the trophy. After the match, Zverev paid heartfelt tribute to his mother, Irina, a former professional player who refused to let his type‑1 diabetes define his future.
“When doctors told us my four‑year‑old son’s diabetes would limit his life and sport, my mother insisted he could be whatever he wanted. She’s the strongest person I know,” Zverev said.
He also praised Shelton, stating, “Ben, you’re an incredible player and 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, 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 and 60th victory over a top‑10 opponent.
After years of doubt about his ability to win a major, Zverev ends the 2026 season with two Grand Slam crowns. Shelton, still young and eager, responded graciously: “Sascha, congratulations on two weeks, two Grand Slams in one year. Your serving and movement are incredible.
You work harder than anyone I know, and I’m genuinely happy for you. This is just the start for me – I’ll be back.” Former British No. 1 Tim Henman highlighted Zverev’s evolution, noting, “His game seemed to regress in previous Slams, but over the last year he’s become more aggressive. He’s beaten Shelton five times in a row, and today he looked completely comfortable.” Former Wimbledon champion Marion Bartoli added perspective on experience, observing, “The disparity in experience was huge.
Shelton won the toss, served, fell to 30‑30, missed an easy shot and double‑faulted, handing Zverev the first break. It’s tough to play your first Grand Slam final in front of a home crowd, but Zverev made only one unforced error in the opening set, making it very difficult for Shelton.” The match was streamed on NOW and the Sky Sports app, with the Laver Cup also available live from the O2 in London later in September.