Zverev caps transformational year with US Open triumph
Alexander Zverev defeated Ben Shelton in the US Open final to secure his second Grand Slam title of the year. The victory marks a career milestone for the 29-year-old German, who capitalized on the absence of top rivals to dominate the tournament.
Why it matters
This win cements Zverev's status as a top-tier tennis player and highlights a shifting landscape in men's professional tennis.
Image source, Getty Images Image caption, Alexander Zverev has finally landed his first US Open title, six years after losing in the 2020 final
BBC Sport tennis news reporter Published 13 September 2026, 23:02 BST Updated 34 minutes ago Alexander Zverev used his greater experience to beat home hope Ben Shelton in the US Open final and quiet a partisan crowd hoping to laud a rare American men's champion.
German top seed Zverev lifted a heavy burden by winning his first major title at this year's French Open and has quickly added another with a 6-3 7-6 (7-2) 5-7 6-2 victory over Shelton in New York.
At the start of the season, there were question marks over whether 29-year-old Zverev would ever win one of the sport's most prestigious prizes.
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