Alexander Zverev defeated Ben Shelton 6-3, 7-6 (2), 5-7, 6-2 on Sunday to win the US Open men's singles title in New York and claim his second Grand Slam championship.
The German, seeded number one at a major for the first time, won the match on serve but initially failed to realise it, drifting back behind the baseline as if preparing to return. Only moments later did he raise his arms in celebration.
Zverev had won the French Open earlier this year and now added the US Open title he had let slip in the 2020 final. The two victories came within the span of three months.
Shelton, 23, was attempting to become the first American man to win a Grand Slam since Andy Roddick at Flushing Meadows in 2003, and the first Black man to win the US Open since Arthur Ashe in 1968. His defeat means American men remain without a major title for more than two decades.
Zverev capitalised on Shelton's shaky start in his first Grand Slam final, played a near-flawless tiebreak, and then held off a comeback attempt from the American in front of a partisan crowd that cheered Shelton throughout.
The usually composed Zverev became emotional in his post-match remarks, speaking about his coaching team, his family, and his own journey.
"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, referencing his diagnosis 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."
Zverev also praised his defeated opponent, saying Shelton will "win this tournament one day."
Shelton, speaking after the match, focused on the support of those around him.
"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."
