Alexander Zverev defeated American Ben Shelton 6-3, 7-6 (2), 5-7, 6-2 on Sunday to win the 2026 US Open men’s singles title and secure his second Grand Slam championship of the year.
The top-seeded German overcame Shelton’s third-set comeback in a three-hour, 37-minute final at Arthur Ashe Stadium, adding the US Open crown to the French Open title he won earlier this season.
The victory also provided redemption for Zverev, who came within two points of winning the US Open in 2020 before losing to Dominic Thiem in a five-set final.
Zverev became the first German man to win the US Open since Boris Becker in 1989, while denying Shelton the chance to end the 23-year wait for an American men’s Grand Slam singles champion since Andy Roddick’s triumph at the 2003 US Open.
Shelton, 23, arrived at the final after an impressive run that included a five-set quarter-final victory over defending champion Carlos Alcaraz and a semi-final win over fellow American Frances Tiafoe.
But Zverev’s consistency and all-court game proved decisive after Shelton struggled early in his first Grand Slam final.
The American fought back in the third set, reducing the errors that had allowed Zverev to control the match. With Zverev serving to stay in the set, Shelton created three set points before converting his second opportunity when the German sent a forehand volley wide.
Zverev responded immediately in the fourth set, breaking Shelton in the opening game after a 24-shot rally ended with the American hitting a backhand wide.
Despite the pressure from Shelton and a partisan crowd, Zverev remained composed. He overcame a time-violation warning at 30-30 in the fourth game before sealing it with a crisp crosscourt backhand to lead 3-1.
He went on to serve out the match, with Shelton sending his return long on match point.
In an unusual moment after the final point, Zverev initially appeared unaware that he had won, stepping behind the baseline as though preparing to receive. He realised moments later, raised his arms and began celebrating his second major title.
The 29-year-old German became emotional during his post-match speech as he thanked his coaching team and family for supporting his career.
“We went 30 years without winning a Grand Slam title, and then won two in the span of three months,” he said.
“I think God has seen how hard we have worked and suffered, and the pain we went through. 2026 was the outcome for everything that we went through before.”
Zverev also paid tribute to his mother, recalling her support after he was diagnosed with diabetes as a child.
“I want to thank one other person who has never watched my matches, but is the most important person in my life. When your four-year-old son gets diagnosed with diabetes, and that sport will be difficult, it takes a very strong mother to say that he will be whatever he wants to be.”
“This illness will not define us. I am happy we worked through it and we are doing things that we are doing right now. Thanks to her as well.”
While praising Shelton’s performance, Zverev predicted that the American would eventually win the tournament.
Shelton, meanwhile, reflected on the support of his family after falling short in his first Grand Slam final.
“To do this with my family by my side. These four guys have dedicated their lives to my career. It is an unmatched level of commitment.”
