Zverev beats Shelton to win US Open and second Grand Slam title

Alexander Zverev won his second Grand Slam singles title by defeating Ben Shelton in the US Open final in New York. The German top seed prevailed 6-3, 7-6 (7-2), 5-7, 6-2, according to BBC Sport, adding another major trophy to the French Open title he claimed earlier this year. Shelton's challenge ended in four sets despite a third-set recovery.

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The result gives the 29-year-old two major titles in a season that began with doubts about whether he would ever secure one. His breakthrough in Paris has now been followed by success against an American opponent backed by the Arthur Ashe Stadium crowd. Zverev entered the final with more experience at this level, while eighth seed Shelton was contesting his first Grand Slam final.

Shelton was trying to become the first American man to win a major singles title since Andy Roddick in 2003. That bid suffered an immediate setback when he lost his opening service game. BBC Sport reported that Zverev controlled the first two sets, taking the opener before winning the second-set tie-break by seven points to two to establish a commanding lead.

The American then began to put Zverev's serve under greater pressure. He converted his third break opportunity during the third set, giving the 24,000 spectators renewed reason to believe the match could turn. Shelton took that set 7-5, reducing the deficit and forcing Zverev to continue his pursuit of the championship into a fourth set.

Zverev responded early in the fourth, regaining control and closing out the match 6-2. The final point produced an unusual delay in his celebration: Shelton sent a return long, but Zverev did not immediately realise the match was over. According to the BBC account, his team had to alert him to the score before he smiled in recognition of his victory.

The BBC also noted that injuries to Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz had affected the route to major titles this season. Those two players won every Grand Slam between them in 2024 and 2025. Zverev has capitalised on their absences, finishing this US Open with a second major championship while Shelton's first final ended in defeat.