Zverev defeats Shelton in four sets to win first US Open title
Alexander Zverev beat Ben Shelton 6-3, 7-6 (2), 5-7, 6-2 in New York on September 13, 2026, securing his first US Open title and second Grand Slam crown.
In short
- Alexander Zverev beat Ben Shelton 6-3, 7-6 (2), 5-7, 6-2 in New York on September 13, 2026, securing his first US Open title and second Grand Slam crown.
Alexander Zverev won his first US Open men’s singles title on September 13, 2026, defeating Ben Shelton 6-3, 7-6 (2), 5-7, 6-2 in New York.
The top-seeded German recovered from losing the third set to take control of the fourth, breaking Shelton twice to complete the victory, according to The Guardian’s live match coverage. The result gave Zverev his second Grand Slam title after his French Open success earlier in 2026.
Zverev established an early advantage with the opening set, then won the second-set tiebreak 7-2. Shelton kept the final alive by breaking at the end of the third set, but could not sustain the comeback.
The eighth-seeded American was playing his first major final. His defeat extended the wait for an American men’s singles champion at the US Open, where Andy Roddick was the last home winner in 2003.
Zverev’s victory closed the tournament’s singles programme, a day after Elena Rybakina won the women’s title. Both became first-time US Open singles champions.
