Quick Answer
Alexander Zverev won the 2026 US Open men’s singles title, beating American Ben Shelton 6-3, 7-6(2), 5-7, 6-2 in the final at Arthur Ashe Stadium on September 13, 2026. It’s Zverev’s second Grand Slam title, and it means American men are still waiting for their first major win since Andy Roddick in 2003.
Alexander Zverev is a US Open champion again. The German star beat home favorite Ben Shelton in a four-set final on Sunday, and if you missed the match or just want the numbers, highlights, and what comes next, here’s everything laid out simply.
Final Score: Zverev Beats Shelton in Four Sets
Zverev wins 6-3, 7-6(2), 5-7, 6-2. It was a match full of contrasts, not only because the top seed saved five set points in the second set and was even trailing in the third, but also because he had a comfortable first set, played a thrilling tiebreak in the second, rallied from a set down in the third, before finally pulling away in the fourth.
It is the second Grand Slam victory of his career and the second time he has been seeded first, but this week he played the most consistent tennis of his career on his way to the title.
How the Match Unfolded
Set 1: Zverev Sets the Tone
Zverev broke early and never let Shelton settle, closing out the first set 6-3 with steady serving and deep, heavy groundstrokes.
Set 2: The Tiebreak Swings It
Shelton found his forehand late in the set, leveling things at five games apiece with a big, crowd-pumping winner. But Zverev held his nerve and dominated the tiebreak 7-2 to go up two sets to love.
Set 3: Shelton Fights Back
With his back against the wall, Shelton raised his level and started serving bigger. He broke Zverev late to take the set 7-5, giving the New York crowd hope of an American champion.
Set 4: Zverev Closes It Out
Shelton’s energy levels ran low after two physically demanding sets, and Zverev capitalized on that. The latter was able to break twice and finish the match strongly on his serve to clinch a 6-2 victory.
One funny thing that people kept talking about after the match was that Zverev always bounces hundreds of times before serving.
The 26-year-old said that he has probably bounced a couple of thousand balls during the two-week campaign, and he is not even sure why he does it.
Zverev’s Road to the Title
Zverev had the benefit of not only being in good form at the right time but also being the most consistent player in the tournament throughout the fortnight, and he had a semifinal victory over Karen Khachanov in the semifinals on his way to winning the tournament.
It should also be noted that the bottom half of the draw was completely open due to a number of seeded players withdrawing from the tournament or losing early, including a stunning second-round exit by Novak Djokovic. Zverev capitalized on the good fortune that was available to him at the perfect time.
What This Means for American Tennis
- Shelton’s path to the final was significant for American tennis, but the victory over Carlos Alcaraz in a five-set quarterfinal that ended at 3:33 a.m. New York time marked the latest finish in the history of the US Open, and Shelton advanced to his first major final with a win over his countryman, Frances Tiafoe.
- But the larger context remains that the Americans have not had a men’s Grand Slam singles champion since Andy Roddick in 2003, a drought that extends well into the current decade.
- Shelton moved up to No. 4 in the ATP rankings for the first time in his career.
- At 23, he is likely to have multiple opportunities to contend for major titles.
- This was his first Grand Slam final.
What Happens Next?
For Zverev, the victory means that he has joined the conversation about year-end No. 1 along with Jannik Sinner going into the final months of the season. He will now turn his attention to the ATP’s autumn hard-court swing and the season-ending ATP Finals.
For Shelton, the loss is a blessing, but he has made his first Grand Slam final at 23, and that should be a big boost for his career. He is expected to be one of the favorites to win next year’s Australian Open.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who won the US Open 2026 men’s final?
Alexander Zverev won, beating Ben Shelton 6-3, 7-6(2), 5-7, 6-2 in the final on September 13, 2026.
What was the final score of the Zverev vs Shelton match?
Zverev won in four sets: 6-3, 7-6(2), 5-7, 6-2.
Is this Alexander Zverev’s first Grand Slam title?
No, it’s his second Grand Slam title overall, and his first US Open title.
How far did Ben Shelton go at the 2026 US Open?
Shelton reached his first career Grand Slam final, beating Carlos Alcaraz and Frances Tiafoe along the way before losing to Zverev.
When did an American man last win the US Open?
Andy Roddick was the last American man to win the US Open, back in 2003.
What’s next for Zverev after winning the US Open?
Zverev moves into contention for the year-end world No. 1 ranking and will next focus on the fall hard-court events and the ATP Finals.
Related Questions
- What are Alexander Zverev’s career Grand Slam titles?
- How did Ben Shelton beat Carlos Alcaraz in the quarterfinals?
- Who will be the ATP year-end No. 1 in 2026?
- What tournaments are next on the ATP calendar after the US Open?
- Why haven’t American men won a Grand Slam since 2003?
Sources & Further Reading
- ESPN — Zverev dashes American hopes, beats Shelton in US Open final for 2nd major
- CNN — Men’s top seed Alexander Zverev caps breakthrough year with US Open title
- CBS Sports — 2026 US Open results: Alexander Zverev ousts Ben Shelton
- Wikipedia — 2026 US Open, Men’s Singles
