Zverev wins US Open title after defeating Shelton in New York final
Germany’s Alexander Zverev won the men’s singles title at the 2026 US Open after defeating American Ben Shelton in a final held in New York on the evening of Sunday, September 13, adding a second Grand Slam title to an exceptional season.
Zverev settled the match in four sets, winning 6-3, 7-6 (7-2), 5-7, 6-2, in front of a crowd that strongly supported Shelton at Arthur Ashe Stadium. But the German maintained his composure at crucial moments and prevented his opponent from bringing the men’s title back to the United States for the first time in more than two decades.
Zverev takes control in the decisive moments
Zverev entered the final with clear confidence, taking the first set 6-3 before facing a tougher test in the second. When the set reached a tiebreak, the world No. 1 imposed his rhythm and closed it out 7-2, putting Shelton under significant pressure as he fell two sets behind.
The American refused to surrender and managed to take the third set 7-5, reviving the hopes of the home crowd. But Zverev quickly regained control in the fourth set, benefiting from the consistency of his serve and his ability to limit errors to finish it 6-2 and secure the championship.
According to The Associated Press, Zverev’s focus was one of the keys to the final. He was able to shut out the noisy crowd, most of whom had hoped to see an American player crowned champion.
Second major title in a single season
The triumph in New York carries added significance for Zverev, who had won the French Open earlier in the year. The US Open title therefore became his second major championship, following years of coming close to the top without completing the task.
The New York venue also held a painful memory for the German, after he lost the 2020 final despite taking a two-set lead. Returning this time to win the final gives the title a special significance in his career and underscores the transformation he achieved during the 2026 season.
Shelton’s American title dream delayed
Shelton was playing his first final at one of the Grand Slam tournaments after an impressive run at the event. He had a chance to end a long wait for American men, as the last US men’s singles champion at a major was Andy Roddick at the 2003 US Open.
Despite the defeat, Shelton left the tournament with strong indications of his ability to compete at the highest level. Reaching the final, along with the victories he secured on the way, places him among the leading names who could challenge for major titles in the seasons ahead.
A season that strengthens Zverev’s standing
Zverev ended the New York tournament with a title that reinforces his position at the top of world tennis in 2026. Winning two major championships in a single year represents an important step in his career, particularly after his name had been associated for years with reaching the later stages without winning the number of major titles expected of him.
For tennis fans, the final adds a new chapter to the open competition at the top of the sport, as new names continue to rise and a generation of players seeks to establish its presence after years in which a limited group of stars dominated the major tournaments.
Image: An illustrative photo of a tennis ball on a court, photographed by Ahmed via Unsplash.
