Zverev Claims US Open Title

The Update

Top seed Alexander Zverev defeated American Ben Shelton in four sets on Sunday to claim the US Open title. The match ended with Zverev winning 6-3, 7-6 (7-2), 5-7, 6-2. In a bizarre ending to the final, Shelton’s return flew long on match point, but Zverev, seemingly unaware that he had won, hit the balls back to the other end of the court, ready for another game. He only realized he had won when he glanced up to the big screen.

Why It Matters

Zverev added the New York title to his collection after winning the French Open earlier this year. Shelton was bidding to become the first American man to win a Grand Slam singles title since Andy Roddick in 2003.

What to Watch

Zverev now has two Grand Slam titles in 2026, adding the US Open to his French Open crown. The German player expressed his disbelief and joy at the win, stating that he would have signed a paper three months ago promising just one Grand Slam title. The American tennis community will now look to the next generation to break the drought that has persisted since Roddick’s victory in 2003.

Sources

• skysports.com — Match score, scoreline details, and the ending sequence where Zverev did not realize he had won.
• dpa international — Context on Shelton's bid to be the first American man to win a Grand Slam since 2003.