Zverev wins the US Open: Shelton defeated
The German won at Flushing Meadows in four sets and claimed the second Grand Slam title of his career, following his victory in Paris. It was a disappointment for the American.
Alexander Zverev has won the US Open, claiming his second Grand Slam title, following his triumph at Roland Garros three months ago: he won the final against the American Ben Shelton (who had knocked out Carlos Alcaraz in the quarter-finals, sending the home crowd into raptures) in four sets, 6-3, 7-6, 5-7, 6-2.
The maturity and composure of the German, who enjoyed a superb 2026 (he was also a Wimbledon finalist, where he lost to Jannik Sinner), prevailed in the early stages of the match over his opponent’s impetuous power; the latter likely suffered from nerves, making more errors and failing to sustain the long rallies. This was clearly evident in the second-set tie-break (which Sasha dominated, winning 7–2), and indeed, as early as the first set, Shelton had conceded two breaks after committing two costly double faults.
Hopes of a comeback – with the German still backed by a powerful serve – remained alive in the third set, which was more evenly matched and intense: leading 3-2, the American earned his first break point of the match (saved by his opponent with a dazzling cross-court backhand), gained confidence and, at 6-5, converted his second set point. So, it was on to the fourth set. The German, however, immediately quashed any such hopes, shifted into top gear and pulled away (5-2) despite the 23-year-old’s fierce fightback: after three and a half hours of play, the American had to concede to his opponent’s experience and slumped, disappointed, into his chair. What remains is the final moment of Zverev on serve, converting the match point and then returning, as if nothing had happened, to the baseline to serve again. Without, that is, realising he had won. The smile, when he realises it’s all over, is broader than ever.
Once again this year, therefore, the crowd at Flushing Meadows was unable to celebrate the success of a home player (the wait has lasted since 2003, the year Andy Roddick won). Zverev, on the other hand, can put behind him the bitter defeat he suffered in New York in 2020 at the hands of Dominic Thiem (he was leading two sets to nil), enjoy his triumph and the fact that he is closing in on world number one Jannik Sinner, from whom he is now separated by 1,800 points.
