Six years after 2020 heartbreak, Zverev beats Shelton to finally win US Open
Alexander Zverev defeated Ben Shelton to win the 2026 US Open, securing his second Grand Slam title of the year. The victory marks a significant career milestone for the German player after years of near-misses in major tournaments.
Why it matters
This win solidifies Zverev's status as a dominant force in modern tennis and concludes a major sporting event in the US.
Alexander Zverev finally got his hands on the US Open trophy that once seemed destined to be his, overcoming American hope and his own painful Grand Slam history to beat Ben Shelton 6-3, 7-6(2), 5-7, 6-2 in Sunday’s final at Flushing Meadows.Six years after blowing a two-set lead against Dominic Thiem in the 2020 US Open final, Zverev completed one of the biggest pieces of unfinished business in his career. The German, who became a Grand Slam champion at Roland Garros earlier this year, added a second major title in New York to cap a remarkable 2026 season.“I think God has seen how hard we worked, how much we suffered, how much pain we went through and I think 2026 is the outcome of all the years that happened before,” Zverev said during the trophy presentation.The victory also ended an extraordinary run of disappointment in Grand Slam finals for Zverev,…
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