Alexander Zverev captured the U.S. Open men’s singles title on Sunday by defeating American Ben Shelton in four sets, securing his second Grand Slam trophy of the year. The victory adds to the German star’s growing legacy on the professional tennis circuit.
Before reaching the final, Zverev advanced through the quarterfinals after winning the French Open earlier this year, marking his first major title. This latest win at Flushing Meadows solidifies his status as one of the top contenders in men’s tennis.
On the other side of the net, Shelton’s run to the final carried significant historical weight. By reaching the championship match, he became the first Black American man to contest a U.S. Open final since Arthur Ashe in 1972. Additionally, Shelton was on the verge of making history himself; had he won, he would have become the first American man to claim a major singles title since Andy Roddick’s triumph at the same tournament in 2003.
Shelton earned his spot in the final with a dramatic semifinal victory over compatriot Francis Tiafoe, setting up a matchup between two young talents vying for a breakthrough moment in their careers.
Zverev is really climbing the charts. Two slams in one year is serious dominance. Will anyone stop him next season?
Shelton’s run was historic regardless of the loss. First Black American in the final since Ashe. That deserves respect.
Wait, the headline says straight-set but the article says four sets? That’s a confusing contradiction for readers.