Alexander Zverev secured his first US Open title and the second Grand Slam championship of his career by defeating American player Ben Shelton in a four-set final at Flushing Meadows, according to international sports reporting.
Alexander Zverev Conquers Flushing Meadows in Four Sets
Alexander Zverev claimed a 6-3, 7-6 (7/2), 5-7, 6-2 victory against Ben Shelton on Sunday, September 13, 2026, adding the New York major to his maiden Grand Slam crown won at Roland-Garros in June 2026. Playing under the closed roof of Arthur Ashe Stadium due to the threat of rain, the German world number two managed the momentum of the match against a partisan home crowd supporting the 23-year-old American.
Celebrities including Brad Pitt, Courteney Cox, Jeff Goldblum, Pierce Brosnan, and Jerry Seinfeld watched from the stands as the 29-year-old from Hamburg neutralized his opponent’s power with deep court length. Zverev arrived in the final physically fresher after avoiding long grueling matches in the later rounds, whereas Shelton reached his first Grand Slam final after an energy-draining tournament run that included a win over defending champion Carlos Alcaraz.
Tactical Control and Pressure Swing the Final
The match pitted two powerful servers against each other, but Zverev proved more reliable on his service games. Shelton, appearing tight and uncharacteristic of his usual demeanor during the fortnight, committed crucial double faults in the opening set that handed breaks to the German. Zverev controlled the tempo by combining defensive resilience with deep groundstrokes.
After dropping the first set, Shelton kept the second close, forcing a tie-break. Zverev capitalized on unforced errors to take the breaker 7-2. The American responded by capturing the third set 7-5, but Zverev re-established control in the fourth, breaking early and pulling away to seal the title in four sets.
Mutual Respect Shared After the Final Ball
During the post-match interviews, both finalists acknowledged each other’s achievements and character on the tour. Addressing the runner-up, Zverev said, “It was your first Grand Slam final, but I already told you that you would be back here again, and again, and again. And if I had to bet all my money on it, I would bet that one day it will be you who lifts this trophy.”
Shelton returned the praise, telling the champion: “A second Grand Slam title, two in one single year. You are one of the very best players in the world, maybe the best player in the world this year.” The defeat kept Shelton from becoming the first American man to win the US Open since Andy Roddick lifted the trophy in 2003.
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