Alexander Zverev finally got his revenge at Flushing Meadows, defeating Ben Shelton 6-3, 7-6(2), 5-7, 6-2 to win the US Open and claim his second Grand Slam title.
The 29-year-old produced a commanding performance at Arthur Ashe Stadium, using his powerful serve and consistent groundstrokes to keep Shelton under pressure for much of the contest.
The victory was particularly significant for Zverev after his heartbreaking experience at the same tournament six years ago.
Zverev takes control early
Zverev made an immediate statement by breaking Shelton in the opening game after the American double-faulted on break point.
The German remained virtually untouchable on serve and dictated rallies from both wings, eventually taking the opening set 6-3.
Shelton responded strongly in the second set, forcing a tiebreak after recovering from an early deficit. However, Zverev raised his level when it mattered most, racing into a 5-0 lead before winning the tiebreak 7-2.
That gave Zverev a two-set advantage and left Shelton facing a huge challenge in front of a partisan home crowd.
Shelton refuses to surrender
The 23-year-old American found another gear in the third set, cutting down on his errors and making better use of the energy inside Arthur Ashe Stadium.
Zverev struggled to close out the set while serving to stay in it, falling behind 0-40. Shelton missed his first set point but eventually converted the second when Zverev sent a forehand volley wide.
The breakthrough allowed Shelton to claim the third set 7-5 and force a fourth.
Zverev delivers the knockout blow
Zverev immediately responded at the start of the fourth set, breaking Shelton after a gruelling 24-shot rally ended with the American sending a backhand wide.
From there, the German regained control and refused to allow Shelton back into the match.
He eventually sealed the championship when Shelton sent a return long on match point, prompting Zverev to raise his arms in celebration as the crowd applauded.
“I know that 99.9% of people wanted Ben to win, so I’m sorry,” Zverev said during the trophy presentation. “It was an incredible atmosphere to play in.”
A long-awaited Grand Slam breakthrough
The victory erased painful memories of Zverev’s 2020 US Open final against Dominic Thiem, when he came within two points of winning his first major before eventually losing in five sets.
He later suffered two more Grand Slam final disappointments before finally breaking through this season.
“I think God has seen how hard we worked, how much we suffered, how much pain we went through, and I think 2026 is the outcome of all the years that happened before,” Zverev said.
Shelton had hoped to become the first American man since Andy Roddick in 2003 to win the US Open. His run had included a dramatic five-set victory over defending champion Carlos Alcaraz and a comeback win against compatriot Frances Tiafoe.
Despite falling short, Shelton praised Zverev after the match.
“What you’re doing is incredible,” Shelton said. “The way you’re serving, the way you are moving in play. You work harder than anyone I know.”
What comes next for Zverev?
The US Open triumph strengthened Zverev’s position at the top of men’s tennis and gave him another opportunity to challenge for the world No. 1 ranking.
With Jannik Sinner currently sidelined by a knee injury, Zverev could close the gap at the top if he maintains his form in the remaining tournaments of the season.
For Shelton, reaching his first Grand Slam final represents a major step forward. The American will now look to build on his impressive run and turn his latest breakthrough into regular success at the biggest tournaments.
