Alexander Zverev secured his second Grand Slam title on Sunday by defeating American Ben Shelton at the US Open. The final score was 6-3, 7-6 (7/2), 5-7, 6-2, marking a triumphant redemption for the German player who previously fell in the 2020 final.
Zverev, the top seed, avenged his painful five-set loss to Dominic Thiem six years ago. He adds this victory to the French Open championship he won earlier this year, cementing his status as a major champion.
The win prevented Shelton from becoming the first American man to claim a major singles title since Andy Roddick won the 2003 US Open. The 23-year-old Shelton entered the final with high momentum after overcoming defending champion Carlos Alcaraz in a five-set quarter-final and defeating fellow American Frances Tiafoe in the semi-finals.
Despite a supportive and star-studded crowd at Arthur Ashe Stadium rooting for the home favorite, Zverev’s comprehensive all-court game proved decisive. Shelton showed resilience in the third set, breaking Zverev’s serve after the German missed a forehand volley at 0-40. However, Zverev immediately responded in the fourth set, winning a grueling 24-shot rally to break serve early in the set.
Tension peaked in the fourth set when Zverev received a time violation warning while serving at 30-30. The German composed himself to hold serve and eventually closed out the match when Shelton hit a return long on match point. Zverev celebrated with his arms raised, earning cheers from the crowd that had previously been hostile toward him.
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