US Open: Zverev Beats Shelton 3–1 To Lift Championship Trophy

Alexander Zverev has won the 2026 US Open men’s singles title after defeating American Ben Shelton 3–1 in the final at Arthur Ashe Stadium in New York.

The German, who entered the tournament as the top seed, produced a strong performance to overcome Shelton and secure another Grand Slam triumph in an impressive 2026 season. Zverev won the opening two sets before Shelton mounted a comeback by taking the third.

Zverev controlled the opening set 6–3 before edging Shelton 7–6 in the second-set tiebreak. Shelton responded in the third set, winning 7–5 to keep his hopes of a first Grand Slam title alive.

However, Zverev regained his composure in the fourth set, breaking early and maintaining his advantage to close out the contest and secure the championship.

The victory gives Zverev his second Grand Slam title of the year, following his triumph at the French Open. He had also reached the Wimbledon final earlier in the season, making 2026 a remarkable year for the German.

For Shelton, the defeat ends a historic run at Flushing Meadows. The 23-year-old American was playing in his first Grand Slam final and had captured the attention of home fans after defeating fellow American Frances Tiafoe in the semifinals.

Shelton’s run was particularly significant because he became the first Black American man to reach the US Open men’s singles final since Arthur Ashe in 1972. He was also attempting to become the first American man since Andy Roddick in 2003 to win a Grand Slam singles title.

Zverev’s victory also represents a measure of redemption at the US Open. He previously reached the final in 2020, where he surrendered a two-set lead against Dominic Thiem and eventually lost the championship match.

This time, however, the German held his nerve when Shelton fought back, finishing the tournament as US Open champion and adding another major trophy to his growing collection.