Alexander Zverev finally conquered his last Grand Slam challenge, defeating American Ben Shelton in a compelling four-set battle to claim his maiden US Open title on Sunday. The German star produced a clinical performance when it mattered most to end a long wait for the coveted trophy in New York.
The final was a classic encounter between seasoned experience and youthful exuberance. Zverev took the first set 6-3, demonstrating precise groundstrokes and superior court coverage. Shelton, however, refused to fold, saving multiple break points in the second set before leveling the match with a tense 7-6(2) tiebreak victory. The young American fed off the roaring home crowd, looking increasingly dangerous as the match progressed.
Shelton carried his momentum into the third set, fighting back to win 7-5 and forcing a decider. For a moment, it appeared the American might complete an upset, but Zverev responded with the composure of a veteran. In the fourth set, the world number one completely shifted the match's tone, breaking early and cruising to a 6-2 victory to seal the championship.
This triumph marks Zverev's second Grand Slam title of 2026, cementing his status as a dominant force in men's tennis. By securing the US Open crown, he joins an elite group of players who have won all four majors or completed a career Golden Slam. For Shelton, the loss serves as a brutal reminder of the fine margins at the highest level, yet his run to the final signals a bright future for American tennis. Zverev now celebrates at the pinnacle of the U.S. Open, having finally shattered the glass ceiling in Flushing Meadows.
