Alexander Zverev ended his long wait for a US Open crown with a commanding four-set victory over Ben Shelton, defeating the American 6-3, 7-6(7-2), 5-7, 6-2 in the men’s singles final at Arthur Ashe Stadium.
The top-seeded German produced a composed display under pressure, using his booming serve and powerful baseline hitting to keep Shelton from settling into a rhythm. Zverev made an early statement by claiming the opening set 6-3 and immediately putting the American on the back foot.
Shelton responded strongly in the second set, matching Zverev’s power and forcing several extended rallies. However, the German held his nerve when it mattered most, dominating the tie-break 7-2 to establish a two-set advantage.
With the title within sight, Zverev looked set for a straight-sets victory, but Shelton refused to fade. The 23-year-old American stepped up his aggression in the third set, finding greater success on return and eventually breaking through to take it 7-5. The comeback briefly appeared possible as the home crowd rallied behind him.
Zverev, though, quickly regained control in the fourth set. He raised his intensity from the outset, secured an important break and dictated play from the baseline. Shelton struggled to reproduce the level he had shown in the previous set, and Zverev wrapped up the championship with a 6-2 fourth-set win.
The victory carries particular significance for Zverev, who had endured one of the most painful defeats of his career at the US Open in 2020. He had led Dominic Thiem by two sets in that final before eventually losing in five.
Six years later, Zverev has finally completed his New York mission. The 2026 season has now delivered two Grand Slam titles for the German, following his breakthrough triumph at Roland Garros earlier in the year.
Shelton, meanwhile, can take considerable pride from his run. His journey to the final included a memorable quarter-final victory over Carlos Alcaraz and made him the first Black American man to reach the US Open singles final since Arthur Ashe in 1972.
How much prize money has Alexander Zverev Won?
Alexander Zverev’s US Open triumph came with a record $5.5 million prize cheque, the largest singles winner’s payout in Grand Slam history. The monetary amount is around Rs 52.60 crore in Indian currency.
How much prize money has Ben Shelton Won?
Despite the defeat, Ben Shelton has bagged $2.8 million prize money in this US Open, which is around Rs 26.78 crore in Indian currency.