Alexander Zverev, the top seed, extinguished the hopes of American fans on Sunday by defeating Ben Shelton in a four‑set showdown to capture his first US Open crown. The German displayed superior firepower, outlasting 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 the New York trophy to an already impressive résumé.
The climax of the match featured a bizarre moment: Shelton’s return on championship point sailed long, yet Zverev, apparently unaware that the point had ended, sent the ball back across the net as if another rally 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 championships, an Olympic gold medal, two ATP Finals titles, seven ATP Masters 1000 crowns, 26 singles titles and a stint as world No.
1 – with many wondering if the top spot is his next destination. In his post‑match interview with Sky Sports Tennis, Zverev reflected on the emotional journey his family has endured at the sport’s biggest stages. “There has been so much suffering for the Zverev family at Grand Slam level,” he said. “Maybe 2026 is the year we finally get to enjoy it.
Everything is falling into place and I’m unbelievably happy.” He added that just three months earlier he would have gladly signed a contract promising a single Grand Slam title, but now, holding two trophies within months, he feels the dream is becoming reality. 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 held once.
I was planning a relaxed service game and then to get tight on the next. It was 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 in 2003, and only the second Black player to achieve such a feat after Arthur Ashe in 1975. The atmosphere was electric, with a crowd of roughly 23,000 cheering inside the Arthur Ashe Stadium.
Among the spectators were Hollywood names such as Brad Pitt, Rami Malek and James Bond legend 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 strongly, breaking Shelton’s serve early and again on set point to seize the initiative. The American struggled to generate any break opportunities in the first two sets as Zverev, seeded No.
1 at a major for the first time, used his powerful serve to keep Shelton at bay. Historically, Shelton had lost all five of his previous meetings with Zverev and had never defeated either Stefanos Tsitsipas or Carlos Alcaraz before this event.
His breakthrough wins over those two stars in New York gave him confidence heading into the final. After claiming the first set, Zverev, now free from the label of “the best player never to win a major,” dominated the second‑set tiebreak, pulling within a set of the championship.
Shelton fought back valiantly in the third, converting three break points and eventually taking the set 7‑5, but Zverev’s momentum proved decisive. An early break in the fourth set sealed the match, and Zverev’s trademark ball‑bouncing – which accounted for roughly three hours of his total court time – even resulted in a time‑violation warning. Off the court, Shelton’s girlfriend, USWNT star Trinity Rodman, performed a logistical feat, traveling 200 miles from a Washington soccer field to Queens to watch the match from her partner’s box. Unfortunately for her, the trip ended in disappointment as Zverev secured his second Grand Slam title in just three hours and 33 minutes.
In his victory speech, Zverev paid heartfelt tribute to his mother, Irina, a former professional player who refused to let his type‑1 diabetes define his career. “When doctors told us my four‑year‑old son’s life and sport would be limited, my mother said he could be whatever he wanted,” Zverev said. “Her strength and belief have been the cornerstone of my journey.” He also acknowledged Shelton’s talent, stating, “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 someday.” The head‑to‑head record now stands at 6‑0 in Zverev’s favor, marking his 26th title and 60th victory over a top‑10 opponent, capping a year that finally delivered the Grand Slam success many doubted he would achieve. Shelton, still young and hungry, 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 spend more hours on court. You and your team do everything right, and I’m sincerely happy for you.
I’m just getting started and will be back.” Former British No. 1 Tim Henman praised Zverev’s evolution, noting that a year ago his Grand Slam results were sliding, but he has become more aggressive and now dominates opponents.
He highlighted that Zverev’s confidence after breaking Shelton’s serve early in the fourth set allowed him to coast to the finish. Former Wimbledon champion Marion Bartoli emphasized the experience gap, pointing out that Shelton’s first‑set mishaps – a double fault after a 30‑30 tie – set the tone. She remarked that Zverev made only one unforced error in the opening set, making it extremely difficult for Shelton to recover, and that losing to a player performing at Zverev’s level carries no shame.
Overall, Zverev’s triumph not only enriches his personal trophy cabinet but also reshapes the narrative around his career, proving that perseverance, strategic adjustments, and a supportive family can overcome the toughest obstacles on tennis’s biggest stages.