Alexander Zverev has won the 2026 US Open men’s singles title after beating Ben Shelton 6 3, 7 6(2), 5 7, 6 2 in the final at Arthur Ashe Stadium.
The victory gives Zverev his second Grand Slam title of 2026. He also won the French Open earlier this year. The German has now turned a breakthrough season into one of the strongest campaigns of his career.
Quick Fact
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| What Happened | Alexander Zverev defeated Ben Shelton to win the 2026 US Open men's singles title. |
| Final Score | 6 3, 7 6(2), 5 7, 6 2 |
| Winner | Alexander Zverev |
| Runner Up | Ben Shelton |
| Venue | Arthur Ashe Stadium, New York |
| Date | September 13, 2026 |
| Zverev's Grand Slam Titles in 2026 | 2 |
| Previous 2026 Major | French Open |
| Shelton's Grand Slam Final | First |
| Why It Matters | Zverev completed a major breakthrough season with two Grand Slam titles. |
Zverev Wins His Second Major of the Year
Zverev entered the final as the No. 1 seed and used his experience to control the biggest moments.
He took the opening set 6 3 after breaking Shelton twice. The American struggled to create opportunities on Zverev’s serve, while Zverev stayed patient during long rallies.
Shelton responded well in the second set. He saved a break point and pushed the set into a tiebreak. However, Zverev quickly took control and won the breaker 7 2.
That gave the German a two set lead and put him within one set of the championship.
Shelton Fights Back in the Third Set
Shelton refused to let the match end in straight sets.
The American increased the pressure from the baseline and forced Zverev into more difficult service games. His aggressive shot making also helped him find openings.
Zverev had a chance to serve for the set at 5 4. Shelton responded with his best stretch of the match and earned three break points. He converted his second opportunity to level the set at 5 5.
Shelton then held serve and eventually took the third set 7 5.
The comeback changed the atmosphere inside Arthur Ashe Stadium. It also ended a run of 66 straight service holds for Zverev in their previous meetings.
Zverev Regains Control
The fourth set showed why Zverev has become much stronger in major finals.
He immediately broke Shelton and took control of the match again. The German kept his service games under pressure but rarely gave Shelton a chance to attack.
Zverev lost only four points on serve during the entire fourth set. He broke Shelton again before serving out the match 6 2.
Zverev's Major Breakthrough Continues
The victory completes a remarkable change in Zverev’s Grand Slam career.
Earlier in 2026, he won his first major title at Roland Garros. He then reached the Wimbledon final before lifting another Grand Slam trophy in New York.
Before this season, Zverev had often faced questions about his ability to win the biggest matches. His 2026 results have changed that conversation.
The US Open victory also makes him only the second German man in the Open Era to win multiple Grand Slam singles titles.
Head to Head Advantage Helped Zverev
Zverev entered the final with a clear advantage over Shelton.
He had won all five of their previous meetings. Shelton had taken only one set from the German before the 2026 US Open final.
Experience also played an important role. Zverev was competing in his sixth Grand Slam final, while Shelton was appearing in his first.
That difference became especially important when the match reached its biggest moments.
Zverev Completes Historic US Open Triumph
The 2026 US Open marks another major milestone for both players.
Zverev leaves New York with two Grand Slam titles in the same season and further strengthens his position among the leading players on the ATP Tour.
Alexander Zverev defeated Ben Shelton in four sets to win the 2026 US Open men’s singles title.
The result gives Zverev his second Grand Slam trophy of the year and confirms his transformation into a major champion. Shelton fell short of history, but his run to the final showed that he remains one of the leading young forces in men’s tennis.
