Zverev beats Shelton to win maiden US Open title
Alexander Zverev defeated Ben Shelton in four sets to win his first US Open men's singles title
The men's singles final of the US Open 2026 was played between Alexander Zverev and Ben Shelton. The match went to four sets, with Zverev eventually winning to claim his first US Open title. At Arthur Ashe Stadium, crowd favourite Ben Shelton received huge support from the stands, but it was Zverev who prevailed and made history with his win.
Zverev dominated the first set, winning it 6-3 to put Shelton on the back foot. The second set went to a tie-breaker, which Zverev won 7-2. In the third set, 23-year-old Shelton fought back strongly. The score was tied at 5-5 at one point, but Shelton then hit two brilliant shots to take a 7-5 lead and win the set.
Fans hoped Shelton would win the fourth set as well and take the match to a decider. But Zverev took full control of the match and won the set 6-2, dashing those hopes. With this win, Alexander Zverev won the men's singles final and the US Open title.
An amusing moment followed the end of the match. Zverev was so absorbed in the match that he did not realise it was over and that he had won. He mistakenly hit the ball across the net, drawing laughter from the fans in the stadium. It was only when his win was confirmed on the big screen that he began celebrating.
The year 2026 has been outstanding for 29-year-old Alexander Zverev. He won his first Grand Slam title at the French Open, beating Flavio Cobolli in a thrilling five-set final. With this US Open men's singles title, Zverev has now secured his second career Grand Slam title. He had previously finished runner-up at the 2020 US Open, the 2024 French Open and the 2025 Australian Open. After facing defeat several times, his fortunes finally turned in 2026, making him a two-time Grand Slam champion.
