Zverev wins US Open after defeating Ben Shelton 6-3, 7-6(2), 5-7, 6-2 in a thrilling final. The German secured his maiden US Open crown while claiming his second Grand Slam title this season.
Zverev controlled the opening set with powerful serving and consistent baseline play against the American finalist. Shelton responded strongly during the second set, but Zverev eventually won the tiebreak to strengthen his advantage.
The 23-year-old American refused to surrender and fought back by taking the third set 7-5. However, Zverev regained control immediately and broke Shelton twice during the decisive fourth set. His victory completed an impressive Grand Slam season after winning the French Open earlier this year.
Zverev also reached the Wimbledon final, giving him three consecutive Grand Slam finals during a remarkable 2026 campaign. Meanwhile, Shelton played his first Grand Slam final after producing several impressive victories throughout the tournament. The American defeated Carlos Alcaraz before overcoming Frances Tiafoe in the semifinals.
Despite his defeat, Shelton became the first Black American man to reach the US Open final since Arthur Ashe.
Zverev entered the championship match with previous heartbreak at Flushing Meadows still fresh in his memory. In 2020, he surrendered a two-set lead against Dominic Thiem before losing the final in a deciding tiebreak. This time, the German remained composed and completed the biggest triumph of his career in New York.
Zverev’s victory also extended his perfect record against Shelton to five wins from five meetings. The triumph could further strengthen his challenge for the year-end world number one ranking.
For Shelton, the defeat ends a historic run but confirms his emergence among tennis’s leading young stars. Zverev wins US Open after producing another commanding performance on tennis’s biggest American stage.
The champion collected $5.5 million, matching women’s champion Elena Rybakina’s record Grand Slam prize. His latest triumph firmly establishes Zverev among the leading players of the 2026 tennis season.
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