Alexander Zverev finally got his hands on the US Open trophy. The German defeated the American hero Ben Shelton on Arthur Ashe Stadium 6-3, 7-6(2), 5-7, 6-2 on Sunday to claim his first US Open title and second Grand Slam crown of 2026, and career.
Zverev made the better start and quickly put Shelton under pressure. He broke serve in the opening set and stayed solid behind his own delivery to take it 6-3.
Alexander Zverev Beats Ben Shelton To Win US Open 2026 Title
The second set was much tighter, with neither player able to pull away. Shelton pushed Zverev through long rallies and earned his chances, but the German held his nerve in the tiebreak, winning it 7-2 to move two sets ahead.
Shelton refused to let the final slip away. The 23-year-old raised his level in the third set, found more aggression on return and finally broke Zverev late in the set to win 7-5 and force a fourth.
But Zverev quickly regained control. He created break-point opportunities early in the fourth set and converted, then added another break to move within touching distance of the championship. He closed out the match 6-2.
Won together. Celebrated together 🫶 pic.twitter.com/RRgX5z6mPH
— US Open Tennis (@usopen) September 13, 2026
The statistics showed how closely contested the match was in several areas. Shelton hit 10 aces to Zverev’s nine and produced 47 winners but also made 47 unforced errors. Zverev struck 35 winners and committed 31 unforced errors.
Zverev also won 85% of points behind his first serve, compared with 71% for Shelton.
Nothing but respect at the net 🤝 pic.twitter.com/g2PgOsB0to
— US Open Tennis (@usopen) September 13, 2026
The victory completes a memorable Grand Slam season for Zverev. After winning the French Open earlier this year and finishing runner-up at Wimbledon, he has now added the US Open trophy.
For Shelton, it was a breakthrough run despite the final defeat. He reached his first Grand Slam final after beating Carlos Alcaraz in the quarterfinals and Frances Tiafoe in the semifinals, but the wait for an American men’s singles Grand Slam champion continues.
