Alexander Zverev, the top seed, extinguished the hopes of the United States on Sunday by defeating Ben Shelton in a four‑set showdown to secure 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 championship match at Flushing Meadows. Having already captured the French Open earlier in the season, Zverav added a New York title to his résumé.
The climax was oddly theatrical: Shelton’s return on match point sailed long, yet Zverav, apparently oblivious to the fact that he had already clinched the match, sent the ball back across the court as if another game were to follow. Only after glancing at the arena’s giant screen did he realize he was the champion. His achievements now read: two Grand Slam trophies, an Olympic gold medal, two ATP Finals titles, seven Masters 1000 crowns, 26 tour‑level singles titles and a brief stint as world No. 1 – a résumé that hints at a possible return to the top ranking soon.
"I feel like there has been so much suffering for my family at Grand Slam level that maybe 2026 should just be about enjoyment," Zverav told Sky Sports Tennis. "Everything is falling into place.
I’m unbelievably happy." He continued, "Three months ago, if someone told me I would win only one Grand Slam in my career, I would have signed that paper without hesitation. Now, standing here with two major titles within months, it feels surreal." When asked about his momentary confusion on championship point, he 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 and then to tighten up on the next. It was lucky for me!" "Coaches always say to play each point and ignore the score. I ignored the score and it actually helped," he added. Shelton entered the final with the prospect of becoming the first American man to win a Grand Slam singles title since Andy Roddick’s 2003 triumph, and only the second Black player ever to do so after Arthur Ashe in 1975.
He was greeted by a thunderous ovation from a partisan crowd of roughly 23,000 spectators in a stadium that bears Ashe’s name. 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. Zverav’s path to the final was grueling: he logged 19 hours and 38 minutes on court throughout the tournament, the fourth‑longest total for a finalist since 1991.
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 any break‑point opportunities in the first two sets as Zverav, seeded No. 1 at a major for the first time, leaned on his potent serve to keep the American at bay. The American had never beaten Zverav in their five previous meetings, and he arrived in New York without a win over either Stefanos Tsitsipas or Carlos Alcaraz – both of whom he had finally bested earlier in the tournament, fueling his optimism.
Freed from the label of "the best player never to win a major" after his French Open success, Zverav seized the second‑set tiebreak, pulling within a single set of the title. Shelton, showing resilience, finally produced three break points and converted the second, forcing a third set.
However, Zverav’s relentless ball‑bouncing – he spent roughly three hours of his 23‑plus hour fortnight bouncing between serves – eventually led to a time‑violation warning. In the fourth set, Zverav broke early and never looked back, closing the match in three hours and 33 minutes. His girlfriend, soccer star Trinity Rodman, made a remarkable 200‑mile dash from a Washington football field to Queens to watch the final, only to see Zverav lift his second Grand Slam trophy. After the victory, Zverav 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 a four‑year‑old diagnosed with diabetes would have limited sporting prospects, my mother said, ‘My son will be whatever he wants to be.’ She fought for me, and I owe my career to her strength." He also lauded Shelton, saying, "Ben, you’re an incredible player and person. This was your first Grand Slam final, but I’ve told you you’ll be back many more times.
If I had to bet, I’d wager you’ll lift this trophy someday." Zverav now leads the head‑to‑head 6‑0, marking his 26th career title and 60th victory over a top‑10 opponent, capping a year that saw him shatter doubts about his ability to win majors. Shelton, reflecting on his performance, said, "Sascha, congratulations on two Grand Slams in two weeks. Your serving and movement are extraordinary.
You work harder than anyone I know, and I’m genuinely happy for you. This is just the beginning for me; I’ll be back." Former British No. 1 Tim Henman praised Zverav’s evolution, noting, "His perseverance and the way his game has improved over the past twelve months are remarkable. He turned a backward‑sliding Grand Slam record into an aggressive, winning formula." Former Wimbledon champion Marion Bartoli highlighted the experience gap, observing, "Shelton’s first Grand Slam final was a huge pressure cooker.
He served first, fell to 30‑30, missed an easy shot and double‑faulted, giving Zverav the opening break. Zverav made only one unforced error in the first set, making it extremely difficult for Shelton." The match was broadcast worldwide, with streaming options available on NOW and the Sky Sports app, and fans could also catch the upcoming Laver Cup at The O2 in London from September 25‑27 via Sky Sports.