Top‑seed Alexander Zverev shattered the hopes of the United States on Sunday, defeating Ben Shelton in a four‑set final to capture his first US Open crown. The German powerhouse out‑classed the eighth‑seeded American, sealing the match 6‑3, 7‑6 (7‑2), 5‑7, 6‑2 on the iconic courts of Flushing Meadows. Having already secured the French Open title earlier in the season, Zverev added a second Grand Slam to his résumé in New York. The climax was oddly theatrical: on match point, Shelton’s return sailed long, yet Zverev, apparently unaware that the point had ended, bounced the ball back for another rally.
Only after glancing at the stadium screen did he realise the championship was his. Zverev’s achievements now read: two Grand Slam titles, an Olympic gold medal, two ATP Finals victories, seven Masters 1000 crowns, 26 singles titles and a stint as world No. 1 – with many wondering if the top spot is imminent. Speaking to Sky Sports Tennis, a visibly elated Zverev reflected on his family’s long‑standing Grand Slam frustrations: “There’s been so much suffering for the Zverev family at the major level, maybe 2026 is the year we finally enjoy it.
Everything is falling into place and I’m unbelievably happy.” He added, “Three months ago, if someone told me I’d win only one Grand Slam in my career, I’d have signed that contract without hesitation. To stand here with two majors in a few months is surreal.” When asked about his confusion on championship point, Zverev laughed, “I thought the score was 5‑1.
I knew I’d broken him twice but believed he’d held once. I was planning a relaxed service game and then to get tight on the next.
It was lucky for me! Coaches always say play each point, forget the score – I forgot the score and it worked.” Shelton entered the final hoping to 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 received a thunderous welcome from a 23,000‑strong crowd in the stadium named after Ashe, with celebrities such as Brad Pitt, Rami Malek and Pierce Brosnan in attendance. Zverev’s path to the final was grueling: 19 hours and 38 minutes on court, the fourth‑longest total for a finalist since 1991. He burst out of the gate, 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 as Zverev, seeded No.
1 at a major for the first time, wielded his powerful serve to keep the American at bay. Historically, Shelton had lost all five previous meetings with Zverev and had never beaten Stefanos Tsitsipas or Carlos Alcaraz before this tournament. Yet his run in New York had sparked optimism, especially after toppling Alcaraz en route to the final.
Freed from the stigma of being the “best player never to win a major” after his French Open win, Zverev steamrolled the second‑set tiebreak, edging closer to the title. Shelton rallied in the third, creating three break‑point chances as Zverev’s serve faltered briefly, but the German converted the second and took the set 7‑5. The fourth set proved decisive. Zverev broke early, capitalising on the fatigue that had plagued his opponents throughout the season, including the injuries that sidelined Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner at various points.
His trademark ball‑bouncing, which accounted for roughly three hours of his 23‑plus hours on court this fortnight, even resulted in a time‑violation warning. Meanwhile, Shelton’s girlfriend Trinity Rodman performed a logistical feat, travelling over 200 miles from a Washington football pitch to Queens to join him in his box – a trip that ultimately proved futile as Zverev clinched his second major in three hours and 33 minutes.
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 doctors told us a four‑year‑old with diabetes would have limited sports prospects, my mother said, ‘My son will be whatever he wants.’ She’s the strongest person I know; without her resolve I wouldn’t be here.” He also lauded Shelton’s character: “Ben, you’re an incredible player and a wonderful person.
This was your first Grand Slam final, but I’ve told you you’ll be back many times. If I had to bet, I’d wager you’ll lift this trophy one day.” Zverev now leads their head‑to‑head 6‑0, marking his 26th career title, his 60th win over a top‑10 opponent, and solidifying his comeback after years of doubt about ever securing a major. Shelton, still young, responded graciously, “Sascha, congratulations on two Grand Slams this year. Your serving and movement are phenomenal.
You work harder than anyone I know. I’m just getting started and will be back.” Former British No.
1 Tim Henman praised Zverev’s evolution: “His perseverance and the way his game has improved over the past twelve months is remarkable. He turned a regressing Grand Slam record into an aggressive, winning style.” He noted Zverev’s mental edge after repeatedly beating Shelton.
Former Wimbledon champion Marion Bartoli highlighted the experience gap: “The difference in experience was massive. Shelton won the toss, served, fell to 30‑30, missed an easy shot and double‑faulted, giving Zverev the first break. It’s tough to debut a Grand Slam final in front of a home crowd and meet expectations. Zverev made only one unforced error in the first set, making it extremely hard for Shelton.” The match underscored a shifting landscape in men’s tennis, with Zverev’s resurgence and Shelton’s emergence promising exciting narratives for future Grand Slams.