Zverev Claims Second Grand Slam with US Open Victory Over Shelton

Alexander Zverev silenced a partisan crowd at Arthur Ashe Stadium on Sunday, defeating American hope Ben Shelton in straight sets to win his second Grand Slam title of the year. The German top seed completed a transformational season by adding the US Open to his French Open triumph, winning 6-3, 7-6 (7-2), 5-7, and 6-2.

At 29, Zverev had faced significant scrutiny earlier in the year regarding his ability to win a major championship. However, with his primary rivals Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz sidelined by injuries at key tournaments, Zverev seized the opportunity to break through. Sinner and Alcaraz had dominated the majors in 2024 and 2025, leaving Zverev to capitalize on the weakened field.

Shelton, seeded eighth, entered the final with the goal of becoming the first American man to win a major since Andy Roddick in 2003. Despite being recognized as a powerful hitter capable of winning prestigious titles, he fell short against a rejuvenated Zverev. The young American lost his serve in the very first game, surrendering early momentum that Zverev controlled throughout the opening two sets.

The third set offered a shift in momentum as Shelton applied sustained pressure on Zverev’s serve, drawing encouragement from the 24,000 fans in attendance. However, Zverev quickly reasserted his dominance early in the fourth set, extinguishing Shelton’s hopes. When Shelton hit a return long on championship point, Zverev was initially unaware of his victory, only breaking into a surprised smile after his team confirmed the result.

Zverev’s path to the title was not without challenges; he scraped through the early rounds at Flushing Meadows in tight matches, often finishing late in the morning sessions. He did not face a top-20 opponent until meeting Shelton in the final. Historically, Zverev had a strong record against the American, having not dropped a set in their previous five encounters.

In the final, Zverev utilized his powerful first serve and targeted Shelton’s weaker backhand to roll through the opening set, capitalizing on Shelton’s double fault on set point. He maintained his composure in the second set tie-break, demonstrating nervelessness under pressure—a stark contrast to his collapse in the 2020 US Open final when he lost after holding a two-set lead.

Addressing his team, which includes his father Alexander Zverev Sr. and brother Mischa, the champion reflected on the significance of his achievement. “We went 30 years without winning a Grand Slam title and now won two in the span of three months,” Zverev said. “I think God has seen how hard we have worked, how hard we have suffered and how much pain we went through. I think 2026 is the outcome of all the years that happened before.”