Germany’s Alexander Zverev defeated Ben Shelton of the United States 6‑3, 7‑6(2), 5‑7, 6‑2 to capture the men’s singles US Open championship.
Published On 13 Sep 2026
Alexander Zverev dashed the hopes of American hopeful Ben Shelton and the partisan New York crowd by clinching the US Open men’s singles title.
The victory marked Zverev’s second Grand Slam title and extended the drought for American men, who have not won a major since 2003, after a 6‑3, 7‑6(2), 5‑7, 6‑2 win on Sunday.
Zverev finally broke through in the majors by winning this year’s French Open and followed up by adding the title in New York that he had let slip away in 2020.
As the top seed in a Grand Slam for the first time, he capitalised on Shelton’s shaky start in his first major final, played a nearly flawless tiebreak on serve, and then turned back Shelton’s comeback attempt before a crowd that desperately cheered him on.
Shelton was aiming to become the first American man to win the title since Andy Roddick in Flushing Meadows in 2003, as well as the first Black man to do so since Arthur Ashe in 1968.
But Zverev was too good in majors this year and apparently did not even realise how good he was. He finished the match on his serve without seeming to notice, dropping back behind the baseline as if preparing to return. Only a few moments later did he understand he had won, raising his arms in celebration.
The usually stoic Zverev became emotional in his post‑match comments while talking about the support of his coaching team and family.
“We went 30 years without winning a Grand Slam title, and then won two in the span of three months,” he said.
“I think God has seen how hard we have worked and suffered, and the pain we went through. 2026 was the outcome for everything that we went through before.”
Zverev went on to speak about his mother and how she helped him when he was diagnosed with diabetes in his childhood.
“I want to thank one other person who has never watched my matches, but is the most important person in my life. When your four‑year‑old son gets diagnosed with diabetes, and that sport will be difficult, it takes a very strong mother to say that he will be whatever he wants to be.
“This illness will not define us. I am happy we worked through it and we are doing things that we are doing right now. Thanks to her as well.”
While praising his younger opponent, the world number two said Shelton will “win this tournament one day”.
The 23‑year‑old American was sombre and spoke about the support of his family.
“To do this with my family by my side. These four guys have dedicated their lives to my career. It is an unmatched level of commitment.”
