German tennis sensation Alexander Zverev, currently ranked World No. 2, celebrated his first US Open victory by defeating Ben Shelton, a first-time Grand Slam finalist from the USA, at Arthur Ashe Stadium in New York on Sunday, September 13.
Zverev won the match in four sets with scores of 6-3, 7-6(2), 5-7, 6-2, marking his second Grand Slam title of the year after previously winning the French Open. After taking the first two sets, he faced a strong challenge from Shelton in the third but regained his momentum in the fourth set to clinch the championship.
Historic Achievement for Zverev
With this victory, Zverev became the first German male player to win the US Open since Boris Becker in 1989. He is also only the fourth player in the Open Era to secure his first two Grand Slam titles within the same calendar year.
A Surprising Celebration
As Zverev celebrated his US Open title, he was momentarily caught off guard when Shelton’s final serve sailed long. The top-seeded player appeared to miscount the score, remaining in position for the next serve until reminded by his coach and fans that he had won.
Once he realized his achievement, Zverev embraced the moment, raising his arms in disbelief and joy, before congratulating Shelton, who made history as the first Black American male player to reach the US Open final since Arthur Ashe in 1972.
Zverev’s Remarkable Journey
Throughout the tournament, Zverev demonstrated remarkable resilience, overcoming early-round challenges and maintaining composure on hard courts. His US Open victory allowed him to put behind the disappointment of his 2020 final loss, solidifying a standout 2026 season.
This year, Zverev reached the semifinals of all four Grand Slam tournaments, highlighted by his French Open win and a runner-up finish at Wimbledon, further establishing his status among the top players in modern tennis.
Fans React to Zverev’s Unique Moment
Zverev’s unexpected reaction to winning the championship sparked a flurry of responses on social media, particularly on X (formerly Twitter). Fans praised his intense focus during the match, with many humorously noting that he was so engrossed in play that he didn’t realize he had won.
Comments ranged from admiration for his concentration to light-hearted jokes about his delayed celebration, with fans celebrating his well-deserved victory.
Zverev’s 2026 Season Highlights
In the ongoing 2026 season, Zverev has achieved two Grand Slam titles, winning both the French Open and US Open, and has recorded 52 victories in 65 matches, boasting an impressive win percentage of 80%, showcasing his consistency and skill throughout the year.