Alexander Zverev Wins His First US Open Against Ben Shelton

Alexander Zverev claimed his first US Open title after a challenging four-set match against Ben Shelton, winning with scores of 6-3, 7-6 (2), 5-7, 6-2. The match took place on September 13, 2026, at Flushing Meadows.

In a pivotal moment at the end of the third set, Shelton had a glimmer of hope. After nearly three hours of play dominated by Zverev, Shelton managed to break through at 6-5 in the third, forcing the match into a fourth set. He celebrated the breakthrough by engaging with the crowd, though his momentum did not sustain as he struggled at the start of the fourth set, losing his serve. Despite his efforts, Zverev emerged victorious, marking his second grand slam title of the year.

Having begun the season in search of his first major win, Zverev became only the fourth man in the open era to secure two grand slam titles within the same season, following the likes of Jimmy Connors, Guillermo Vilas, and Jannik Sinner. He thwarted Shelton's hopes of becoming the first Black American man to win the US Open since Arthur Ashe in 1968 and the first American man since Andy Roddick in 2003.

The match showcased a stark head-to-head record, with Zverev now leading 6-0 against Shelton. His superior serving and steadiness from the baseline proved decisive, effectively neutralizing Shelton's left-handed forehand with his renowned two-handed backhand. Both players faced pressure, particularly through their service games, with Shelton struggling at crucial moments, including double-faulting at break points.

While Shelton managed to push Zverev to a tie-break in the second set, Zverev's experience showed as he navigated the pressure expertly, securing the mini-breaks needed to win the set. The final match's outcome felt inevitable as Zverev’s performance maintained a high level of consistency throughout.

This victory capped off a challenging grand slam season impacted by various injuries among top players, including Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner, providing opportunities for other competitors. For Zverev, this win reinforced his mental strength as he continues pushing for success in major tournaments.
However, Zverev’s rise continues to be shadowed by serious allegations regarding his personal life, which some fans find troubling. He faces accusations from ex-girlfriends of physical abuse and recently settled an assault case in Germany, though he has denied all allegations.

Shelton also experienced an impressive summer, accumulating accolades including a second Masters 1000 title at the Canadian Open and achieving a career-high ranking of No 4. At 23 years old, he is seen as a rising star, though weaknesses in his ground game and serve return were apparent during the final.