Germany’s Alexander Zverev defeated American Ben Shelton 6-3, 7-6 (2), 5-7, 6-2 on Sunday to win the US Open men’s singles title in New York. It was Zverev’s first US Open championship and his second Grand Slam title.
Shelton’s comeback falls short
Shelton, playing in his first major final, was seeking to become the first American man to win the US Open since Andy Roddick in 2003. He also would have been the first Black man to win the title since Arthur Ashe in 1968. Read the context: Sabalenka reaches US Open final for title showdown with Rybakina.
Zverev, the first No. 1 seed in a Grand Slam for the first time, took advantage of Shelton’s uncertain start and won the second-set tiebreak 7-2. Shelton answered by taking the third set, but Zverev stopped the comeback in the fourth.
An emotional celebration
Zverev appeared not to realise immediately that he had won, stepping behind the baseline as if preparing to receive before raising his arms in celebration. He later became emotional while thanking his coaching team and family.
The world No. 2 also spoke about his mother’s support after he was diagnosed with diabetes as a child. He said she had told him the illness would not define him and praised Shelton’s family commitment, saying the 23-year-old would win the tournament one day.
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