US Open: Alexander Zverev beats Shelton to win first US Open title

Alexander Zverev has won his first US Open title after defeating Ben Shelton 6-3, 7-6(2), 5-7, 6-2 in the men’s singles final at Arthur Ashe Stadium on Sunday, September 13.

The victory gives the German his second Grand Slam title of 2026, following his French Open triumph in June. It also caps a remarkable run of three consecutive Grand Slam finals, after he finished runner-up to Carlos Alcaraz at Wimbledon.

NEW YORK, NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 13: Alexander Zverev of Germany returns a shot against Ben Shelton of the United States in their Men’s Singles Final match on Day Fifteen of the 2026 US Open at USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 13, 2026 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)

Zverev took control early, winning the opening set 6-3 before edging a tight second-set tiebreak 7-6(2) to move within one set of the title.

Shelton refused to go quietly, breaking Zverev late in the third set to win 7-5 and end the German’s run of 66 consecutive service holds during the match.

Zverev quickly regained control in the fourth, breaking Shelton early and pulling away to win 6-2 and seal his maiden US Open crown.

NEW YORK, NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 13: Alexander Zverev of Germany and Ben Shelton of the United States shake hands following their Men’s Singles Final match on Day Fifteen of the 2026 US Open at USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 13, 2026 in the Flushing neighbourhood of the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)

The title completes unfinished business for the 29-year-old, who had previously reached the US Open final in 2020. Zverev surrendered a two-set lead against Dominic Thiem before losing in five sets.

Six years later, he finally got the job done in New York. Zverev’s 2026 Grand Slam record now stands at 25-2, following his Australian Open semi-final run, French Open title, Wimbledon final appearance and US Open triumph.

The victory also extends his perfect record against Shelton. Zverev had won all five of their previous meetings and made it six from six on Sunday in their first Grand Slam encounter.

NEW YORK, NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 11: Alexander Zverev of Germany celebrates match point after defeating Karen Khachanov during their Men’s Singles Semifinal match on Day Thirteen of the 2026 US Open at USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 11, 2026 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)

Shelton, competing in his first Grand Slam final, had produced an impressive run to the championship match. The 23-year-old defeated defending champion Carlos Alcaraz in a five-set quarter-final before beating fellow American Frances Tiafoe in the semi-finals.

His run also made him the first Black American man to reach the US Open final since Arthur Ashe in 1972. Despite the defeat, Shelton leaves New York having established himself among the leading young players in men’s tennis.

Zverev now holds the French Open and US Open titles, leaving only the Australian Open and Wimbledon to complete a career Grand Slam.