Top‑seed Alexander Zverev shattered the hopes of the United States on Sunday, overcoming Ben Shelton in a four‑set showdown to capture his first US Open crown. The German displayed superior firepower, beating the eighth‑seeded American 6‑3, 7‑6 (7‑2), 5‑7, 6‑2 in the championship match at Flushing Meadows. Having already secured the French Open title earlier in the season, Zverev added a New York triumph to his résumé. The final ended in a peculiar fashion when Shelton’s return on championship point sailed long; Zverev, apparently unaware that the point had ended the match, simply sent the ball back across the net as if another game were about to commence.
Only after glancing at the stadium screen did he realise he was already champion. Zverev’s growing trophy cabinet now includes two Grand Slam titles, an Olympic gold medal, two ATP Finals victories, seven Masters 1000 crowns and 26 singles titles overall. The world‑number‑one spot may soon be within his grasp. "I feel like the Zverev family has endured so much suffering at Grand Slam level that perhaps 2026 should be the year we just enjoy it," Zverev told Sky Sports Tennis.
"Everything is falling into place and I’m unbelievably happy." He reflected on his career trajectory: "Three months ago, if someone told me I’d only win a single Grand Slam in my whole career, I would have signed that contract without hesitation. To stand here now with two majors in just a few months is 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 once. I was planning a relaxed service game and then to tighten up on the next.
It was lucky for me!" He added, "Coaches always say play each point and ignore the score. Well, I ignored the score and it actually helped." Shelton entered the final with a historic mission: become the first American man to win a Grand Slam singles title since Andy Roddick’s 2003 US Open triumph, and only the second black male champion after Arthur Ashe’s 1975 victory. He was greeted by a thunderous ovation from a 23,000‑strong crowd 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.
Zverev’s path to the final was grueling, accumulating 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 match 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. Zverev, playing as the No. 1 seed at a major for the first time, leveraged his powerful serve to keep the American at bay. Prior to this encounter, Shelton had lost all five of his previous meetings with Zverev and had never defeated either Stefanos Tsitsipas or Carlos Alcaraz, until his remarkable run at this tournament gave him newfound confidence heading into the final.
Freed from the label of "the best player never to win a major" after his French Open success, Zverev seized control of the second‑set tiebreak, moving within a single set of the title. Shelton, however, rallied admirably, creating three break‑point chances and eventually converting the second to take the third set 7‑5, briefly reviving his hopes. Nevertheless, the match was effectively decided when Zverev broke early in the fourth set and never looked back.
His habit of bouncing the ball between serves – statistics show he spent roughly three hours of his 23‑plus hours on court this fortnight doing just that – eventually resulted in a time‑violation warning. Meanwhile, Shelton’s partner, U.S. women’s soccer star Trinity Rodman, performed a logistical feat by traveling 200 miles from a Washington, D.C., football pitch to Queens in time to join him in his box. Unfortunately for her, Zverev’s composure held firm, and he clinched his second Grand Slam title in a match lasting three hours and 33 minutes.
After a brief pause to absorb the moment, Zverev celebrated with his team. In his post‑match interview, Zverev paid heartfelt tribute to his mother, Irina, a former professional player who refused to let his type‑1 diabetes dictate 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 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.
This illness will not define us. My mother is the strongest person I know." He also lauded Shelton’s character: "Ben, you’re an incredible player and an incredible 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 and 60th victory over a top‑10 opponent. After years of doubt about ever winning a major, he closed 2026 with two Grand Slam crowns.
Shelton, still young and hungry, responded graciously: "Sascha, congratulations on these two weeks, your second Grand Slam and two in one year. What you’re doing is incredible – the way you serve, the movement.
You work harder than anyone I know. You and your team do things the right way and I’m sincerely happy for you.
I’m just getting started and I’ll be back here again." 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. He transformed into a more aggressive player, and looking back at his Grand Slam results, his game was actually regressing before this year." Former Wimbledon champion Marion Bartoli highlighted the experience gap: "The difference in their experience was massive. Shelton won the toss, served, fell to 30‑30, missed an easy shot and then double‑faulted, handing 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 life extremely difficult. There’s no shame in losing to a player performing at that level." Fans can stream tennis without a contract on NOW and the Sky Sports app, and watch the upcoming Laver Cup at The O2 in London from 25‑27 September live on Sky Sports.