Zverev Holds Off Shelton to Win US Open Title

Germany’s Alexander Zverev has won the 2026 US Open men’s singles title, defeating American Ben Shelton in four sets in a fiercely contested final at Arthur Ashe Stadium.

The top seed overcame Shelton 6-3, 7-6(2), 5-7, 6-2 to secure his second Grand Slam championship of the year.

Zverev controlled the opening set with powerful serving and consistent baseline play, breaking Shelton to establish an early advantage.

The second set proved much tighter, with neither player able to create a decisive separation until the tiebreak. Zverev maintained his composure under pressure to take it 7-2 and move within one set of the championship.

Shelton, playing in his first Grand Slam final, refused to surrender. The 23-year-old American raised his level in the third set, producing aggressive tennis and forcing Zverev into difficult exchanges before taking the set 7-5.

However, Zverev quickly regained control in the fourth set. The German broke Shelton early and continued to apply pressure with his serve and groundstrokes.

Shelton fought to stay in contention, but Zverev’s experience in major finals ultimately proved decisive as he closed out the match 6-2.

The victory represents a significant moment for Zverev, who lost the 2020 US Open final after surrendering a two-set lead against Dominic Thiem. Six years later, he finally secured the title in New York.

The triumph is also Zverev’s second Grand Slam title of 2026, following his French Open victory earlier in the year. He becomes the first German man to win the US Open since Boris Becker in 1989.

For Shelton, the defeat ends an impressive campaign that saw him reach his first major final. He also defeated defending champion Carlos Alcaraz in a dramatic quarter-final before overcoming Frances Tiafoe in the semi-finals.

Shelton had been attempting to become the first American man since Andy Roddick in 2003 to win a Grand Slam singles title.

Zverev’s victory therefore extends the long wait for an American men’s Grand Slam champion while establishing the German as one of the dominant forces of the 2026 season.