Alexander Zverev has won the US Open after defeating American eighth seed Ben Shelton in four sets to secure the second Grand Slam title of his career.
The top-seeded German overcame a late fightback from Shelton to prevail 6-3, 7-6 (7-2), 5-7, 6-2 in the final on Sunday.
The victory completes a remarkable Grand Slam season for Zverev, who also lifted the French Open title earlier in 2026.
Zverev controlled the opening two sets and appeared firmly on course for a straight-sets victory before Shelton rallied to take the third set 7-5.
But the German quickly regained control in the fourth, breaking Shelton’s resistance to close out the match and deny the 23-year-old American a historic victory.
The result also erased one of the most painful memories of Zverev’s career. At the 2020 US Open, he was just two points from winning his maiden Grand Slam title before Dominic Thiem fought back to claim the trophy in five sets.
Six years later, and after two previous Grand Slam final disappointments, Zverev finally secured his second major title in the same tournament where his first opportunity slipped away.
Speaking during the trophy presentation, Zverev credited his long journey and the struggles that preceded his breakthrough.
“I think God has seen how hard we worked, how much we suffered, how much pain we went through, and I think 2026 is the outcome of all the years that happened before,” he said.
For Shelton, the defeat ended a remarkable run at Flushing Meadows. The 23-year-old had entered the final with hopes of becoming the first American man in 23 years to win a Grand Slam singles title.
Shelton had stunned defending champion Carlos Alcaraz in an epic five-set quarter-final before producing another comeback victory over compatriot Frances Tiafoe in the semi-final.
