Alexander Zverev defeats Ben Shelton to win 2026 US Open title

Alexander Zverev beat American Ben Shelton 6-3, 7‑6 (7/2), 5‑7, 6‑2 on Sunday to win the US Open and claim his second Grand Slam title. The German held the top seed and finished the match after a tense third‑set loss and a decisive fourth‑set win. The victory makes Zverev the first German to win the US Open in 27 years.

The win is a milestone for both players. Zverev had been chasing a major win for six years, losing in 2020 to Dominic Thiem and in 2023 to Novak Djokovic. The US Open was the only Grand Slam he had yet to capture. For Shelton, the match was a chance to become the first American man to win a major since 2003, when Andy Roddick took the US Open. Shelton had been praised for his aggressive baseline play and a powerful serve that pushed many top players. The match was a showcase of contrasting styles: Zverev’s tactical court coverage against Shelton’s big‑ball game.

The final was played in front of a full stadium at Flushing Meadows. Zverev’s experience in big‑stage matches helped him stay calm after dropping the third set. He used a mix of heavy topspin forehands and precise back‑hand slices to keep Shelton off balance. The German’s victory was confirmed by his 10‑point lead in the fourth set, and he celebrated with a brief handshake before the crowd erupted. The result also boosts Zverev’s ranking, moving him back to world No. 2 and keeping him in contention for the year‑end championships. Shelton, meanwhile, will return to the ATP tour with a confidence boost and a new reputation as a major finalist.

Looking ahead, Zverev will prepare for the Paris Masters and the upcoming ATP Finals. He will have a chance to defend his ranking points and aim for a third Grand Slam title. Shelton will likely focus on improving his serve consistency and mental resilience to close out matches. The US Open final has already sparked debate about the next generation of American men’s tennis, and both players will be watched closely as they enter the next season.