Zverev US Open: No. 1 seed Alexander Zverev defeated American Ben Shelton 6-3, 7-6 (7-2), 5-7, 6-2 to win the 2026 U.S. Open men’s singles title, his first at Flushing Meadows and his second Grand Slam overall.
Zverev US Open match overview
Germany’s Alexander Zverev built an early advantage with steady baseline hitting and precise returns. The final score was 6-3, 7-6 (7-2), 5-7, 6-2, according to match statistics posted by the U.S. Open.
Zverev, who won the French Open in June, used his experience to break Shelton in the fourth game of the opening set and closed it out 6-3. The second set turned into a serve-dominated battle, and Zverev tightened his game in the tiebreak to take a two-set lead.
Turning points at the Zverev US Open final
Shelton, playing in his first Grand Slam final, ignited the Arthur Ashe Stadium crowd in the third set. According to the U.S. Open player profile, Shelton is 23 years old and produced his first break of Zverev’s serve in the 11th game to take the set 7-5.
That momentum did not last into the fourth set. Zverev returned more aggressively and broke Shelton twice early to open a 4-1 lead, then served out the match to claim the title.
What the victory means
By taking the trophy, Zverev became the first German man to win the U.S. Open since Boris Becker in 1989, U.S. Open historical records show. The win also gives Zverev his second Grand Slam title, after his French Open victory earlier this year, according to Roland-Garros organizers.
The result carries added national context: U.S. Open records show no American man has won the tournament on home soil since Andy Roddick in 2003, continuing a 23-year drought for U.S. men at Flushing Meadows.
Match details and context
Statistics from the U.S. Open show Shelton repeatedly used his powerful serve, often exceeding 140 mph, to pressure Zverev during the match. Zverev limited unforced errors in the second-set tiebreak, a decisive factor in the early momentum shift.
Postmatch comments and full statistics were posted on the U.S. Open website, and tournament officials confirmed the final score and trophy presentation details.
Both players leave the tournament with clear takeaways: Zverev with a Grand Slam title and a return to form, Shelton with his first major final appearance and a strong performance that energized the New York crowd.
