Alexander Zverev is the 2026 US Open champion! The German tennis star capped off a brilliant season with a masterful performance in the Flushing Meadows final, defeating local favorite Ben Shelton 3:1 in sets (6:3, 7:6(2), 5:7, 6:2) inside a packed Arthur Ashe Stadium to add another Grand Slam title to his resume.
Although the young American managed to lift the crowd and claim the third set, Zverev shifted into a higher gear in the fourth frame, completely disrupting his opponent’s rhythm and routinely closing out the match 6:2 in the final set.
Zverev’s Clinic and Baseline Control
The match started ideally for the German player, who immediately capitalized on Ben Shelton’s early nerves to secure an early break in the first set, taking it convincingly 6:3. Zverev played exceptionally clean tennis, backed by brilliant execution on his first serve. The second set brought a true trench warfare and secure play from both sides, with no breaks of serve. However, the tie-break highlighted the German’s experience, as he raced to a 5-0 lead with two quick mini-breaks and sealed that part of the game 7:6(2).
Just when it seemed the match was heading toward a routine victory, Shelton found a “second wind” in the third set. Backed by roaring support from the stands, the American played flawless tennis on his serve, denied Zverev any break points, and secured a crucial break late in the set to cut the deficit to 2-1 with a 7:5 scoreline.
Nevertheless, the fourth set brought total dominance from the seasoned veteran. Zverev tightened up his return, claimed two quick breaks, completely neutralized his opponent’s serve, and wrapped up this spectacular final with a comfortable 6:2.
Match Statistics Summary (Zverev vs Shelton)
| Statistical Parameter | Alexander Zverev | Ben Shelton |
| Final Score | 3 | 1 |
| Aces | 8 | 10 |
| Double Faults | 6 | 4 |
| 1st Serve Percentage | 69% | 71% |
| Points Won on 1st Serve | 85% (67/79) | 71% (62/87) |
| Points Won on 2nd Serve | 47% (17/36) | 57% (20/35) |
| Break Points Saved | 2/3 (67%) | 2/6 (33%) |
| Average 1st Serve Speed | 213 km/h | 192 km/h |
| Average 2nd Serve Speed | 181 km/h | 164 km/h |
| 1st Serve Return Points Won | 29% (25/87) | 16% (13/79) |
| 2nd Serve Return Points Won | 43% (15/35) | 53% (19/36) |
| Break Points Converted | 4/6 (67%) | 1/3 (33%) |
| Total Winners | 33 | 47 |
| Unforced Errors | 31 | 47 |
| Net Points Won | 86% (24/28) | 69% (29/42) |
| Total Points Won | 53% (125/238) | 47% (113/238) |
| Distance Covered | 2,620 m | 2,866 m |
All news, analyses, and results from the end-of-season stretch can be followed on our US Open Hub / ATP Tournaments page.
