Alexander Zverev continues his remarkable year in tennis, securing his second major title while extending the Grand Slam drought for American male players. Zverev claimed victory in the U.S. Open final by defeating Ben Shelton 6-3, 7-6 (2), 5-7, 6-2, denying the crowd the chance to witness the first American male Grand Slam champion since 2003.
This triumph follows Zverev’s earlier success at the French Open, marking a breakthrough in his Grand Slam career. As the top seed in a Grand Slam for the first time, Zverev took advantage of Shelton’s shaky start in the final, showcasing a nearly flawless performance. Despite facing a crowd rooting against him, Zverev acknowledged the incredible atmosphere and fair support from spectators.
Shelton aimed to end the American male title drought and become the first Black player to secure the U.S. Open men’s crown since Arthur Ashe in 1968. However, Zverev’s dominance in major tournaments this year was undeniable, with a 25-2 record in major matches. His $5.5 million prize money equaled the record set by women’s champion Elena Rybakina.
Reflecting on his journey, Zverev admitted that the 2020 title, which slipped away, should have been his. Despite facing challenges in the past, Zverev’s hard work and dedication paid off in 2026, as he clinched the US Open title. Shelton, who had eliminated the defending champion in a thrilling quarterfinal, fell short in his quest to upset the top seeds and claim the title.
Zverev’s strategic gameplay and focus helped him maintain control throughout the final, silencing the crowd’s attempts to disrupt his rhythm. Fans tried to unsettle Zverev by cheering during his serves, but the top-ranked player remained composed and focused on his game. Zverev’s exceptional performance in the tiebreaker sealed his victory, showcasing his skill and composure under pressure.
