Alexander Zverev and Ben Shelton will meet in the US Open 2026 men’s singles final on Sunday, August 13, with the title on the line at Arthur Ashe Stadium in New York. The top-seeded Zverev is chasing his second Grand Slam title of the season, while eighth-seed Shelton is playing in his first major final. The match is scheduled for Sunday, September 13, with both players arriving in contrasting but equally compelling form.
Alexander Zverev’s Road To The US Open Final
Zverev has looked comfortable as the tournament has progressed. The German was pushed through five sets by Lorenzo Sonego and Quentin Halys in his opening two rounds, but has not dropped a set since.
He followed those early battles with straight-set wins over Alejandro Tabilo, Luciano Darderi and Botic van de Zandschulp before producing another brilliant performance against Karen Khachanov in the semifinals. Zverev won 6-3, 7-6(7), 7-6(6), securing his third consecutive Grand Slam final after winning the French Open and reaching the Wimbledon final earlier this year.
Shelton 🆚 Zverev
Sunday in New York. pic.twitter.com/vGaBKJw1EK
— US Open Tennis (@usopen) September 12, 2026
The 29-year-old also brings the experience of having already played a US Open final, although his 2020 defeat to Dominic Thiem remains part of his Grand Slam story. This time, he arrives with a major title already secured and a chance to win two Grand Slams in the same season.
Ben Shelton’s Historic Run To The Final
Shelton’s route has been considerably more demanding. The American survived four-set battles against Tallon Griekspoor, Hubert Hurkacz and Denis Shapovalov before dispatching Stefanos Tsitsipas in straight sets.
His biggest statement came against defending champion Carlos Alcaraz in the quarterfinals. Shelton won the five-set thriller 6-7(5), 6-1, 6-3, 1-6, 7-6(7), in a match that finished after 3:30 a.m. He then defeated Frances Tiafoe 4-6, 6-3, 6-3, 7-5 in the semifinals, hitting 20 aces on his way to his first Grand Slam final.
Bigger than tennis 🤗 pic.twitter.com/COh2I75t7F
— US Open Tennis (@usopen) September 12, 2026
A victory would end a 23-year wait for an American men’s Grand Slam champion and make Shelton the first Black American man to win the US Open since Arthur Ashe.
Zverev vs Shelton Head-To-Head Record
This is where the numbers favour Zverev. The German leads Shelton 5-0 in their previous meetings, including a 3-0 record on hard courts. Zverev has also won their last 10 consecutive sets. Their most recent meeting came at the 2025 ATP Finals, where Zverev won 6-3, 7-6(6).
Alexander Zverev vs Ben Shelton Prediction: Who Will Win The US Open 2026 Final?
Prediction: Ben Shelton to win.
Zverev may have the better head-to-head record and greater Grand Slam experience, but Shelton has the momentum. He has already survived pressure situations, beaten the defending champion and handled the weight of an all-American semifinal.
His serve can earn him cheap points, while his left-handed forehand can push Zverev into uncomfortable positions. The Arthur Ashe crowd should also give Shelton an extra lift when the match gets tight.
Zverev is unlikely to make this easy, but Shelton’s current form makes him impossible to overlook. If he can keep his first serve percentage high and stay aggressive without overplaying, the American has a real chance to complete the run and win his first Grand Slam title on home soil.
Ben Shelton to defeat Alexander Zverev and become the US Open 2026 champion.
