Alexander Zverev Wins First US Open Title, Beats Shelton

Alexander Zverev has claimed the 2026 US Open men’s singles championship, where he beat Ben Shelton of America with the scoreline 6-3, 7-6 (2), 5-7, 6-2 at Arthur Ashe Stadium. The favorite managed to keep calm throughout this tough four-set match and won another Grand Slam this season. Shelton managed to raise hope with his win in the third set, but Alexander Zverev quickly returned to the game and won the match.

Zverev Controls US Open Final

Zverev had an upper hand from the get-go and immediately highlighted Shelton’s weaknesses on serve. The American made costly double faults when it mattered most, even on break point in the very first game and on set point.

Zverev himself played a steady game from the baseline and had no trouble serving throughout the match. Zverev managed to get 69% of his first serves into play and won 85% of points from his serves.

He had an advantage in many rallies from the baseline too, neutralising Shelton’s strong left-hand forehand with his two-handed backhand.

Shelton Strikes Back in Third Set

The second set was taken to a tie-breaker, yet Zverev was better able to withstand the pressure. The German player took his early mini-breaks to get ahead by 5-0 and won the set 7-6 (2).

Shelton did not give up. Zverev served for the championship from 6-5 in the third set and the American got the aggressive rhythm and broke his serve. Shelton went on to win the set 7-5 and forced the fourth set.

Unfortunately for Shelton, he could not hold on to this energy.

At the start of the fourth set, Zverev broke Shelton’s serve. The German player stayed consistent after that and claimed the championship 6-2.

Zverev Wraps Up an Impressive Grand Slam Year

With the US Open triumph, Zverev has earned his second Grand Slam crown in 2026. The German player is now one of only four men, along with Jimmy Connors, Guillermo Vilas and Jannik Sinner, to have won both of his Grand Slam crowns in the same year during the Open Era.

In addition, Zverev has improved his record against Shelton, increasing it to a 6-0 score.

Shelton’s Career-Best Grand Slam Year

Though he was beaten in the final, the 23-year-old American has had his best Grand Slam performance of his career in New York.

The player has qualified for his first Grand Slam final, claimed his second Masters 1000 crown in Canada, and risen to a career-best No. 4 world ranking.

Moreover, it was another opportunity for American men to bring an end to the prolonged US Open title drought. Andy Roddick is still the last American men’s champion, winning the title back in 2003.