Alexander Zverev, the tournament’s top seed, extinguished the hopes of the United States on Sunday by defeating Ben Shelton in a four‑set final 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 on the iconic courts of Flushing Meadows.
Having already captured the French Open earlier in the season, Zverev added a second Grand Slam trophy to his résumé. The climax of the match featured a bizarre moment: Shelton’s match‑point return sailed long, yet Zverda, apparently unaware that the point had ended, hit the ball back across the net as if another game were about to begin. Only after glancing at the scoreboard did he realise he had already clinched the title. Zverev’s achievements now read: two Grand Slam titles, an Olympic gold medal, two ATP Finals victories, seven Masters 1000 crowns, 26 tour‑level singles titles and a former world No.
1 ranking – with many speculating a return to the top spot may be imminent. In his post‑match interview with Sky Sports Tennis, Zverev reflected on his family’s long‑standing struggle to win a major.
“There has been so much suffering for the Zverev family at Grand Slam level that perhaps 2026 is the year we should simply enjoy it,” he said. “Everything is falling into place and I’m unbelievably happy.” He added, “Three months ago, if someone told me I would win only one Grand Slam in my career, I would have signed that contract without hesitation. To stand here with two major trophies within a few months is simply incredible.” When asked about the 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 only held once.
I was planning a relaxed service game and then to tighten up on the next. It turned out to be lucky for me! Coaches always tell you to play each point and forget the score – I forgot the score and it actually helped.” 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 US Open triumph, and only the second Black man ever to claim a major after Arthur Ashe’s historic win in 1975. He was welcomed by a raucous crowd of roughly 23,000 spectators in the stadium named for Ashe.
Among the on‑court celebrities were actors Brad Pitt and Rami Malek, as well as former James Bond star Pierce Brosnan, who was caught on camera with the match clock displaying a mere 0.07 seconds. Zverev’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. The American was unable to generate a break point in the first two sets, as Zverev’s powerful serve kept him at bay.
Historically, Shelton had lost all five of his previous encounters with Zverev and, before this event, had never defeated either Stefanos Tsitsipas or Carlos Alcaraz – two of the sport’s biggest names. His breakthrough victories over those opponents in New York had fueled optimism heading into the championship match. Shedding the label of “the best player never to win a major” after his French Open success, Zverev controlled the second‑set tiebreak, pulling within a set of the title. Shelton, refusing to capitulate, fought back in the third set, creating three break opportunities and eventually converting a crucial one to take the set 7‑5.
However, Zverev’s momentum proved decisive; an early break in the fourth set sealed the match. Throughout the fortnight, Zverev’s characteristic ball‑bouncing – he spent roughly three hours of his 23‑plus hours on court bouncing between serves – eventually resulted in a time‑violation warning, but it did not hinder his performance. Off the court, Shelton’s girlfriend, U.S. women’s soccer star Trinity Rodman, performed a logistical feat, traveling 200 miles from a Washington, D.C., football field to Queens in time to join him in his box.
Unfortunately for her, the trip did not translate into a victory, as Zverev secured his second Grand Slam in a 3‑hour‑33‑minute battle. 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.
“When your four‑year‑old son is diagnosed with diabetes and doctors tell you his life and sport will be limited, it takes a very strong mother to say, ‘My son will be whatever he wants to be,’” Zverev said. “If he wants to be a tennis player, he’ll be a tennis player.
My mother is the strongest person I know; she made sure this illness never held us back.” He also lauded Shelton’s character: “Ben, you’re an incredible player and a remarkable 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.” The head‑to‑head record now stands at 6‑0 in Zverev’s favour, marking his 26th career title, his 60th win over a top‑10 opponent, and cementing his status as a two‑time major champion in 2026 after years of doubt about ever capturing a Grand Slam.
Shelton, reflecting on the loss, remained optimistic: “Sascha, congratulations on your two weeks, your second Grand Slam and two in one year. What you’re doing is incredible – your serve, your movement. You work harder than anyone I know, spending more hours on court.
You and your team do things the right way, and I’m genuinely happy for you. To New York, you brought me here today. I’m just getting started and I’ll be back.” Former British No.
1 Tim Henman praised Zverev’s evolution: “The perseverance and the way Zverev’s game has improved over the last 12 months is remarkable. A year ago his Grand Slam results were slipping, but he’s become more aggressive.
He’s beaten Shelton five times in a row, and while Shelton tried to change the narrative, Zverev looked completely comfortable.” Former Wimbledon champion Marion Bartoli highlighted the experience gap: “The difference in their experience was massive. In the first game, Ben won the toss, chose to serve, fell to 30‑30, missed an easy shot and double‑faulted, giving Zverev the first break. It’s not easy to play your first Grand Slam final in front of a home crowd and try to please everyone.
Zverev made only one unforced error in the first set, making Shelton’s job extremely difficult. There’s no shame in losing to Zverev when he’s playing at this level.” Fans can continue to follow tennis without a contract on the NOW platform or the Sky Sports app, and the Laver Cup will be broadcast live from the O2 in London from 25‑27 September on Sky Sports.