New York: Alexander Zverev defeated American Ben Shelton 6-3, 7-6(2), 5-7, 6-2 in the US Open final on Sunday to add another Grand Slam title to his breakthrough season and complete an impressive transformation at the majors.
The German third seed controlled the contest for long periods with his powerful baseline game before Shelton fought back to take the third set. Zverev, however, quickly restored his authority in the decider, breaking in the opening game and denying the American any chance of extending the contest.
Zverev’s victory at Arthur Ashe Stadium comes less than three months after he captured his maiden major title at Roland Garros. He thus became only the fourth man in the Open Era to win his first two Grand Slam titles in the same season.
The 29-year-old had endured several major disappointments in recent years, including three successive Grand Slam final defeats before this season. His 2026 campaign has now included a semifinal appearance at the Australian Open, a French Open triumph, a Wimbledon runner-up finish and the US Open crown.
Shelton, competing in his first Grand Slam final, repeatedly troubled Zverev with his pace and serve. The 23-year-old’s fightback in the third set briefly shifted the momentum, but Zverev remained composed and used his depth and consistency to regain control.
The result also gives Zverev a major boost in the battle for the ATP year-end No. 1 ranking. He now holds a 700-point advantage over Jannik Sinner in the live race to Turin and has won 53 matches on tour this season.
Despite the defeat, Shelton will climb to a career-best No. 4 in the ATP rankings following a breakthrough campaign. His run in New York included a quarterfinal win over defending champion Carlos Alcaraz.
Zverev paid tribute to his opponent during the trophy ceremony, saying Shelton was “an incredible player” and predicting that he would return to a Grand Slam final “many, many more times.”
