Germany’s Alexander Zverev captured his maiden US Open title on Sunday, defeating American Ben Shelton in the final to complete a dominant year on the tennis circuit. The victory marks Zverev’s second Grand Slam singles championship of 2026, following his win at the French Open earlier in June.
Zverev overcame the unseeded Shelton, who was making his first major final appearance, with a scoreline of 6-3, 7-6 (7-2), 5-7, and 6-2. The triumph not only ends a long wait for a major trophy but also cements what is widely considered the best season of the German top seed’s career.
With two of the four major titles now in his possession, Zverev became only the ninth man in history to reach at least the semifinals at all four Grand Slams within a single season. The achievement underscores his resurgence after years of falling short in the sport’s most prestigious events.
Zverev turned professional in 2013 at the age of 16, carrying high expectations as a former junior world No. 1. While he secured early successes, including a notable victory over Roger Federer in 2016, the dominance of the “Big Three”—Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Novak Djokovic—initially hindered his progress at the majors. His breakthrough came in 2020 when he reached the Australian Open semifinals and the US Open final, though he has since faced stiff competition from emerging stars like Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz.
The French Open victory in June had already been a landmark moment, making Zverev the first German man to win a singles Grand Slam since Boris Becker claimed Wimbledon in 1996. Despite the on-court success, Zverev continues to navigate controversy surrounding his personal life off the court.
Becker’s shadow is finally gone. First German man since 1996. This feels like a cultural shift for tennis.
Shelton played great but Zverev was just too solid. Congrats to the German, though the hometown hero deserved better.
Ninth man ever to reach semis at all four slams in one season. That statistical milestone is absolutely insane.
Historic season, sure. But can he close out a major against Djokovic or Alcaraz next year? That is the real test.
Finally! Zverev had to win one more. That comeback against Shelton was clutch in the third set.