Germany’s Zverev dashes American hopes, beats Shelton to clinch maiden US Open title

Germany’s Alexander Zverev won his second Major of the year in New York on Sunday, having earlier clinched the French Open title in Paris in June. | Photo Credit: REUTERS

The American hopes of watching one of their own lift the US Open trophy in men’s singles for the first time since 2003 were dashed once again as Germany’s Alexander Zverev defeated Ben Shelton 6-3, 7-6(2), 5-7, 6-2 in three-and-a-half hours in Sunday’s final.

Six years ago, Zverev had squandered a two-sets-to-love lead in his maiden Major final against Dominic Thiem at Flushing Meadows.

When Shelton, who was playing in a Grand Slam final for the first time, broke Zverev’s serve in the 12th game to clinch the third set in front of home crowd at the Arthur Ashe Stadium, doubts could have crept in but the 29-year-old German stayed focused.

Zverev broke Shelton immediately in the opening game of the fourth set before securing an insurance break in the seventh. This time, there were no hiccups as the top-seeded German served successfully to clinch his maiden US Open title and overall, the second Major of his career. He also won this year’s French Open.

For USA, Andy Roddick’s 2003 triumph in New York still remains the last time an American man won a Grand Slam.

HE DIDN'T REALIZE HE'D WON 🏆

Alexander Zverev exorcises his 2020 demons and defeats Shelton 6-3, 7-6, 5-7, 6-2 to win his first US Open title! pic.twitter.com/f0Cnl2xvgI

— US Open Tennis (@usopen) September 13, 2026