Men’s top seed Alexander Zverev caps breakthrough year with US Open title

Alexander Zverev Wins First US Open Crown After Four-Set Final

Healfromzero.com – Alexander Zverev completed a defining season on Sunday, defeating American Ben Shelton 6-3, 7-6 (2), 5-7, 6-2 to claim his first US Open men’s singles championship. The top seed prevailed after three hours and 33 minutes at Arthur Ashe Stadium, securing the second grand slam title of his career.

The 29-year-old German had already broken through at Roland Garros earlier this year, and his victory in New York capped an exceptional run at the sport’s biggest events. Zverev ended the season’s majors with a 25-2 record and collected $5.5 million in prize money, matching the amount awarded to women’s champion Elena Rybakina on Saturday. The payouts were the largest in grand slam history.

A Strong Opening Under the Open Roof

Rain affected the New York metropolitan area during the morning, but conditions had cleared by the time the final began and the Arthur Ashe Stadium roof was open. Zverev immediately established control, breaking early and moving ahead 3-1 in the opening set.

Shelton’s powerful serve has troubled plenty of opponents, but Zverev returned effectively and gave the American few opportunities to dictate the exchanges. The German closed out the first set 6-3 with relatively little difficulty.

The second set offered a much tighter contest. Shelton, the No. 8 seed, repeatedly answered Zverev’s pressure and kept the score level long enough to force a tiebreak. Tension also surfaced between the players during the set after Shelton spoke to the chair umpire about Zverev’s lengthy ball-bouncing routine before serving.

Zverev had addressed the habit earlier in the week, saying it was not something he did intentionally. No warning or penalty followed Shelton’s complaint. Once the tiebreak started, Zverev quickly took control, racing to a 5-0 advantage before sealing the set 7-6 (2).

Shelton Extends the Match

With the American facing a straight-sets loss, Shelton responded impressively in the third. The 23-year-old moved in front 4-3 as the home crowd grew louder and more invested in his comeback attempt. Zverev refused to give way, and the two traded momentum through an absorbing stretch of rallies and service games.

Shelton ultimately captured the set 7-5, extending the championship match and reviving hopes that he might become the first American man to lift the US Open trophy since Andy Roddick in 2003. He was also seeking to become the first Black male player to win the event since Arthur Ashe in 1968.

But Zverev handled the shift in atmosphere with authority. Rather than allowing Shelton’s third-set surge to change the direction of the match, the German reset in the fourth and returned to the level that had carried him through the opening stages. He broke through decisively and finished the final set 6-2.

On championship point, Shelton could not put Zverev’s serve back into play. For a brief moment, Zverev appeared unsure that the match had ended. After realizing he had won, he turned toward his box, celebrated and shouted, “Let’s go.”

Respect for the New York Crowd

Zverev acknowledged that much of Arthur Ashe Stadium had been backing Shelton, but he praised the audience for creating a memorable setting over the tournament’s final two weeks.

“It was an incredible atmosphere to play in, even though the crowd was against me. You guys brought the energy and noise,” Zverev said.

The champion also noticed Trinity Rodman, Shelton’s girlfriend and a star for the National Women’s Soccer League’s Washington Spirit, who made it from Washington, DC, after playing a game earlier Sunday to see the closing stages of the final.

“Trinity, I thought you had a game today, no? Well done to you as well. You’re the lucky charm. … Not today, but usually,” Zverev joked.

For Shelton, the defeat ended a major opportunity but also highlighted his progress on one of tennis’ grandest stages. He thanked the people closest to him and reflected on the experience of competing in a US Open final before a packed New York crowd.

“My successes are a gift, my failures are a gift. Playing in front of you guys is a gift,” Shelton said.

“I have the best support team in the business. To do this with my family by my side, these four guys over here who dedicate their life to my career, spend time travelling the world with me, it’s an unnatural commitment. I appreciate you guys.”

Zverev’s victory erased the lingering disappointment of his 2020 US Open final and gave him the New York title that had long remained out of reach. With championships at Roland Garros and the US Open in the same year, he leaves 2026 with a major breakthrough firmly established.