US Open 2026 Final, Zverev vs Shelton: Preview, head-to-head record, live streaming info

If Ben Shelton (right) beats Alexander Zverev (left) in the final, he becomes the first African-American man to win a Grand Slam singles title since Arthur Ashe at Wimbledon in 1975. | Photo Credit: Reuters & AP

Alexander Zverev will face Ben Shelton in a blockbuster men’s singles final at the US Open in New York on Sunday.

Zverev, the top-seeded German, has returned to the summit clash at Flushing Meadows after six years. In 2020, playing his maiden Major final, he went down to Dominic Thiem in a five-set thriller.

The 29-year-old Zverev has had the best Grand Slam season of his career in 2026. After his loss to Carlos Alcaraz in the Australian Open semifinals, he has reached three straight finals. At Roland Garros, he won his maiden Major while at Wimbledon, he suffered defeat against Jannik Sinner in four sets.

Shelton, Zverev’s opponent in New York, is set to play his maiden Grand Slam final. Coached by his father Bryan, a former professional player, the eighth-seeded American has done exceedingly well in the last fortnight. His run to the summit clash includes a stunning five-set win over reigning champion Alcaraz in the quarterfinals and a four-set victory over compatriot Frances Tiafoe in the semifinals.

If he beats Zverev, Shelton becomes the first African-American man to win a Grand Slam singles title since Arthur Ashe at Wimbledon in 1975

When to watch the US Open 2026 men’s singles final between Alexander Zverev and Ben Shelton?

The US Open 2026 men’s singles final between Alexander Zverev and Ben Shelton will take place in New York on September 13 (Sunday).

Where to watch the US Open 2026 men’s singles final between Alexander Zverev and Ben Shelton?

In India, the viewers can watch live telecast of the US Open 2026 men’s singles final between Alexander Zverev and Ben Shelton on the Star Sports Network and live stream on JioHotstar from 11:30 p.m. IST onwards on September 13 (Sunday).

What is the head-to-head record between Alexander Zverev and Ben Shelton?

Zverev leads Shelton 5-0 in their head-to-head record.

Here’s the full list of their five meetings so far:-

2025: ATP Finals in Turin - Round-Robin Stage - Zverev won 6-3, 7-6(6)

2025: Cincinnati Masters - Quarterfinal - Zverev won 6-2, 6-2

2025: Stuttgart Open - Semifinal - Zverev won 7-6(8), 7-6(1)

2025: Munich Open - Final - Zverev won 6-2, 6-4

2024: Cincinnati Masters - Quarterfinal - Zverev won 3-6, 7-6(3), 7-5

How much prize money is at stake?

The champion will earn USD 5.5 million with the runner-up taking home USD 2.8 million.

How have both players reach this year’s US Open final?

Zverev’s route to the final:-

Semifinal: Beat Karen Khachanov 6-3, 7-6(7), 7-6(6)

Quarterfinal: Beat Botic van de Zandschulp (NED) 6-2, 7-5, 6-1

Round of 16: Beat [21] Luciano Darderi (ITA) 6-2, 6-2, 7-6(3)

Round of 32: Beat [25] Alejandro Tabilo (CHI) 6-2, 7-6(2), 6-2

Round of 64: Beat Quentin Halys (FRA) 6-4, 4-6, 7-6(3), 6-7(3), 6-3

Round of 128: Beat Lorenzo Sonego (ITA) 6-4, 3-6, 6-7(7), 7-5, 6-4

Shelton’s route to the final:-

Semifinal: Beat [11] Frances Tiafoe (USA) 4-6, 6-3, 6-3, 7-5

Quarterfinal: Beat [2] Carlos Alcaraz (ESP) 6-7(5), 6-1, 6-3, 1-6, 7-6(7)

Round of 16: Beat Stefanos Tsitsipas (GRE) 6-2, 6-3, 6-4

Round of 32: Beat Denis Shapovalov (CAN) 7-6(3), 6-7(5), 6-3, 6-4

Round of 64: Beat Hubert Hurkacz (POL) 6-3, 5-7, 7-6(3), 7-5

Round of 128: Beat Tallon Griekspoor (NED) 1-6, 6-1, 7-6(3), 6-2