Zverev Wins US Open, Beats Shelton in Final as American Drought Continues

Alexander Zverev defeated Ben Shelton to win the 2026 US Open men’s singles title, overcoming the American in four sets at Arthur Ashe Stadium in New York.

The German top seed, ranked World No. 2, secured a 6-3, 7-6(2), 5-7, 6-2 victory over Shelton, the World No. 8, to claim his first US Open title.

Zverev made a fast start to the match, taking control early and winning the opening set 6-3. He then produced a dominant performance in the second-set tiebreak to move two sets up and put himself firmly in command.

Shelton, playing in his first Grand Slam final and backed by a passionate home crowd, showed resilience in the third set, raising his level to claim it 7-5 and briefly swing momentum in his favour.

However, Zverev responded strongly in the fourth set, breaking twice and maintaining his composure on serve to seal the title with a 6-2 finish.

The victory marks Zverev’s second Grand Slam title, following his triumph earlier in the year at the French Open, capping off a dominant season on tour.

For Shelton, the defeat means the wait for an American men’s Grand Slam champion continues. No American man has won a major singles title since Andy Roddick lifted the US Open in 2003, extending a drought that has now lasted over two decades.

The final, played at the iconic Arthur Ashe Stadium, drew a vibrant crowd and global attention, with several high-profile personalities in attendance, underlining the global appeal of the US Open.

Earlier on Saturday, Elena Rybakina of Kazakhstan defeated Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus in three sets to win the women’s US Open title, adding another highlight to the tournament.

Zverev’s triumph also puts behind him the disappointment of his 2020 US Open final loss, as he finally gets his hands on the trophy in New York.

Despite the loss, Shelton’s run to the final signals his growing status in the game, having defeated top players en route to his maiden Grand Slam final.

The result closes the curtain on another US Open, with Zverev emerging as champion and the American wait for a home winner continuing.