Zverev caps transformational year with US Open triumph

Alexander Zverev capped a transformative season with a victory at the US Open, defeating Ben Shelton 6‑3 7‑6 (7‑2) 5‑7 6‑2 in the final. The win gave Zverev his second major title of the year, following his maiden Grand Slam triumph at the French Open earlier in 2024. At the outset of the campaign, doubts lingered over whether the 29‑year‑old German could ever capture one of tennis’s biggest prizes. Those questions were answered as Zverev celebrated becoming a multiple Grand Slam singles champion, a feat made clearer by the absences of Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz due to injury. Sinner and Alcaraz had divided the major trophies between them in 2024 and 2025, leaving Zverev to exploit the opened field. Shelton, the eighth seed and a player long tipped for major success, entered the match aiming to become the first American man to win a major since Andy Roddick in 2003. He lost his serve in the opening game, a break that allowed Zverev to seize control of the first two sets. Shelton found his rhythm in the third, applying increased pressure on Zverev’s serve and earning a break point that sparked optimism among the 24 000 home fans occupying Arthur Ashe Stadium. Despite the brief surge, Zverev reasserted his authority early in the fourth set, extinguishing any lingering hopes of an American champion. He did not realize he had clinched the match until Shelton lofted a return long on match point; only after his team indicated the score did Zverev break into a wide, somewhat astonished grin.