Alexander Zverev made history on Sunday after defeating American Ben Shelton to win his first US Open men’s singles championship.
The world number one German beat the eighth seed Shelton 6-3, 7-6(2), 5-7, 6-2 in a three-hour, 33-minute final at Arthur Ashe Stadium.
The victory gives the 29-year-old Zverev his second Grand Slam championship of the year, while also extending the wait for an American man to win the US Open. Andy Roddick still holds the record, winning the men’s singles title in 2003.
Zverev Takes Control Early
After rain played havoc with New York on the day, conditions were set for the championship match to get underway at Arthur Ashe Stadium.
Zverev started brightly and soon broke away with a 3-1 lead in the opening set.
Shelton found it tough to get any rhythm going on serve as the German controlled the longer rallies, eventually finishing the first set 6-3.
Shelton Pushes Back in Second Set
The second set was considerably more competitive,
with Shelton responding well to Zverev’s intensity, keeping the pair locked in throughout the set.
There was also some controversy as Zverev’s pre-serve routine was questioned, with Shelton raising the point with the chair umpire. However, no penalty or warning was given out.
The set eventually went to a tiebreak, but Zverev quickly found his form and stormed clear to lead 5-0 before finishing the tiebreak 7-2 to move within one set of the championship.
Shelton Keeps the Final Alive
Facing an imminent straight-set defeat, Shelton delivered the best performance of the match in the third set.
The American found himself 4-3 ahead as the Arthur Ashe Stadium crowd made their feelings known.
Zverev showed plenty of grit and determination, but it was enough for Shelton to hold off the German and win the third set 7-5, sending the match into a decider and re-giving the American fans hope of a home victory.
Zverev Finishes the Job
The momentum that Shelton had created in the third set failed to translate into the fourth, as Zverev quickly regained control.
The German started to find his rhythm and pressure Shelton’s serve, eventually closing out the match 6-2. It was not until Shelton failed to return the serve that Zverev had thought he had won the match.
In his immediate post-match comments, however, Zverev was quick to thank his team and shout towards his box before accepting he had secured his second Grand Slam crown of the year.
A Breakthrough Season for Zverev
The US Open win marks the end of an incredible Grand Slam season for the German.
Fresh off the back of multiple Grand Slam finals that saw him finish as a runner-up, the win in New York completes what has been a breakthrough campaign.
He also finished with a 25-2 record across the four Grand Slam tournaments of 2026, highlighting his season.
The US Open champion pocketed the massive prize money sum of $5.5 million for his troubles, matching the total earned by his fellow women’s singles runner-up, Elena Rybakina.
Zverev Thanks the New York Crowd
Despite not having the love of the New York crowd, Zverev was effusive in his praise of the US Open venue.
“It was an incredible atmosphere to play in, even though the crowd was against me. You guys brought the energy and noise,” Zverev told the packed crowd after the match.
Shelton Receives Strong Support
Shelton was greeted by the support of the Arthur Ashe Stadium crowd when he arrived on court.
The 23-year-old was playing in his first Grand Slam final, trying to become the first American man to win the men’s singles title since Roddick in 2003.
He would also make history in the process by becoming the first Black American man to win the US Open men’s singles title since Arthur Ashe.
Ultimately, Shelton fell short, but the support from the US Open crowd was enough for the American to show his gratitude.
“My successes are a gift, my failures are a gift. Playing in front of you guys is a gift,” Shelton told the crowd.
He also made it clear that this was just the beginning of his Grand Slam career.
“I’m just getting started, I’ll be back here again,” Shelton added.
Trinity Rodman Attends the Final
Shelton’s girlfriend, soccer star Trinity Rodman, was also in attendance.
Rodman had been representing the Washington Spirit in the NWSL on Sunday following her team’s game, before making the drive up from Washington, D.C., to watch her boyfriend complete the final stages of his historic US Open victory.
Zverev playfully called Rodman Shelton’s “lucky charm” in his post-match comments.
What the US Open Win Means for Zverev
With the US Open win, Zverev has marked himself out as one of the greats of the sport.
Zverev is now well on the way to completing one of the most memorable Grand Slam campaigns in tennis history.
With Shelton falling at the final hurdle, the American has the chance to return to New York and lay claim to his first-ever men’s singles title.
FAQs
Who won the 2026 US Open men’s singles title?
Alexander Zverev won the 2026 US Open men’s singles title after defeating Ben Shelton in four sets.
What was the score between Zverev and Shelton?
Zverev defeated Shelton 6-3, 7-6(2), 5-7, 6-2.
How long did the US Open final last?
The final lasted approximately three hours and 33 minutes.
How many Grand Slam titles does Alexander Zverev have?
Zverev now has two Grand Slam titles. He won the French Open earlier in 2026 before capturing the US Open.
How old is Alexander Zverev?
Alexander Zverev is 29 years old.
How old is Ben Shelton?
Ben Shelton is 23 years old.
When was the last time an American man won the US Open?
Andy Roddick was the last American man to win the US Open men’s singles title, doing so in 2003.
How much did Alexander Zverev win at the US Open?
Zverev earned $5.5 million for winning the men’s singles championship.