Zverev defeats Shelton to claim second Grand Slam title at US Open

Alexander Zverev defeated Ben Shelton 6-3, 7-6 (7/2), 5-7, 6-2 in New York on Sunday to capture the US Open title, adding a second Grand Slam trophy to his 2026 collection after his French Open triumph earlier this year. The victory also settled an old score for the top-seeded German, who came within two points of winning this very tournament in 2020 before losing a five-set marathon to Dominic Thiem.

The 23-year-old Shelton had hoped to end a 23-year drought for American men in Grand Slam tennis, a streak stretching back to Andy Roddick's 2003 US Open win — a title claimed when Shelton was not yet a year old. Expectations rose after Shelton's dramatic five-set quarter-final upset of defending champion Carlos Alcaraz and his comeback semi-final win over fellow American Frances Tiafoe.

But Zverev's all-court game proved decisive, even against a raucous, star-filled Arthur Ashe Stadium crowd rallying behind the home favorite. Shelton found his rhythm in the third set, cutting down on the errors Zverev had been punishing, and broke serve after Zverev slipped to 0-40 while serving to stay in the set, forcing a fourth set.

Zverev answered immediately, breaking Shelton's serve in the opening game of the fourth set following a grueling 24-shot rally. Despite mounting pressure — including a time violation warning while serving — Zverev held firm, moving ahead 3-1 with a sharp crosscourt backhand. He closed out the match after Shelton's return sailed long on match point, finally earning his own ovation from the crowd.