Zverev turns US Open tears into triumph

In the US Open 2026 finals, Alexander Zverev transformed his previous heartbreak into triumph. As he stepped up to the baseline, Zverev could have glanced back at his painful loss from six years ago, where he squandered a two-set advantage in a devastating defeat to Dominic Thiem after serving for the match in the fifth set. This time, the challenge came from American Ben Shelton and a supportive crowd of 24,000, but Zverev approached the match with a different mindset, bolstered by his recent victory at the French Open in June.

Zverev's focus was so intense that he initially did not realize he had won with a score of 6-3, 7-6 (7-2), 5-7, 6-2. After delivering an ace to clinch the championship, he returned to prepare for the next point, only to be informed by his team that the match was over. Reflecting on the moment, Zverev remarked, "In that moment I was in the zone a lot. I didn’t hear noise at all. It’s funny - tennis teachers always tell you to play the next point and forget about the score. At that moment, I forgot about the score and it helped me."

As the reality of his victory set in, Zverev broke into a broad smile, contrasting sharply with his tearful address during the trophy presentation in 2020. At that event, he expressed, "I wish one day I can bring the trophy home." With this win, that dream was fulfilled, as he stated, "We went 30 years without winning a Grand Slam title, and now we’ve won two in three months. 2026 is the outcome of all the years that happened before."

Zverev's father and coach, Alexander senior, attended this final match. Zverev also acknowledged the vital support of his mother, who had encouraged him amid challenges posed by his childhood diagnosis of type 1 diabetes. "When doctors tell you that life and sports will be very limited for that child, it takes a very strong mother to say: ‘my son will be whatever he wants to be,’" Zverev said, honoring her resilience.

Throughout 2026, Zverev reached his peak performance, advancing to the semi-finals in the Australian Open and the final at Wimbledon, in addition to winning both the French Open and US Open. Some of his competition, like Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz, suffered injuries, yet Zverev's enhanced mentality and commitment to fitness were significant contributing factors. Former Wimbledon champion Marion Bartoli commented on his fitness level, stating, "No-one is as fit as Zverev."

Zverev's serving prowess proved pivotal in overcoming Shelton; he won 39 of 42 points on his first serve in the initial two sets and only faced a break point in the middle of the third set. Although Shelton achieved a break at the end of the third set, Zverev maintained control, winning four out of 20 return points in the final set. The triumph solidifies Zverev's pursuit of the world number one ranking, trailing Sinner by 1,810 points with two Masters 1000 events and the ATP Tour finals ahead.