Alexander Zverev ended the 2026 US Open men’s singles tournament on a high note, defeating American Ben Shelton in four sets to claim the championship at Arthur Ashe Stadium. The German secured a 6-3, 7-6(2), 5-7, 6-2 victory, earning his first US Open title after another demanding run at the Grand Slam event.
The championship match featured two players arriving in New York with contrasting levels of experience at this stage of a major. Zverev, the tournament’s top seed, entered the final with established Grand Slam credentials, while Shelton was appearing in his first major singles final. The American had enjoyed a breakthrough campaign, defeating Carlos Alcaraz and Frances Tiafoe on his way to the title match.
Zverev immediately looked comfortable in the opening set. His serve allowed him to control many of the shorter points, while his powerful groundstrokes kept Shelton under pressure. Although Shelton tried to use his left-handed serve and aggressive approach to disrupt the German, Zverev maintained his composure and claimed the first set 6-3.
The second set developed into a much closer contest. Shelton stayed within striking distance and prevented Zverev from building a significant advantage. With neither player able to pull away, the set was decided in a tiebreak. Zverev produced his strongest tennis at the crucial stage, winning the breaker 7-2 and establishing a two-set advantage.
Shelton, however, responded with determination. Rather than allowing the match to slip away, the American increased the intensity of his play in the third set. The support from the New York crowd appeared to fuel his efforts as he searched for a way back into the contest. Shelton eventually secured the set 7-5, forcing Zverev to fight again for the championship.
The 23-year-old’s run to the final had already been one of the tournament’s standout stories. His semifinal victory over Frances Tiafoe came in four sets, 4-6, 6-3, 6-3, 7-5. Shelton had also stunned Carlos Alcaraz in a five-set quarterfinal thriller, winning 6-7(5), 6-1, 6-3, 1-6, 7-6(7). Those results established him as one of the most dangerous players in the draw.
Zverev refused to let the momentum shift completely toward his opponent. In the fourth set, he restored his authority with a more consistent baseline game and dependable serving. Shelton continued to attack, but Zverev’s control in the longer exchanges made it increasingly difficult for the American to mount another comeback.
The German eventually closed out the fourth set 6-2, completing his championship victory in four sets. The triumph was particularly meaningful given his previous experience in New York. Zverev had reached the 2020 US Open final and famously lost to Dominic Thiem after holding a two-set lead.
Six years later, he finally secured the trophy.
Zverev’s semifinal performance had also demonstrated his ability to handle pressure, as he defeated Karen Khachanov 6-3, 7-6(7), 7-6(6). That victory set up the final against Shelton and completed a tournament journey that ultimately ended with another Grand Slam title for the German.
For Shelton, the defeat marked the end of an extraordinary breakthrough at his home Grand Slam. Despite falling short of the championship, reaching his first major final and overcoming elite opponents represented a significant step forward in his career.
The 2026 US Open men’s final therefore delivered both a landmark victory and a glimpse of the next generation of men’s tennis. Zverev walked away with the championship trophy, while Shelton’s run established him as an increasingly prominent figure on the Grand Slam stage.