Alexander Zverev Claims First US Open Crown After Four-Set Final
Qwenews.com – Alexander Zverev completed a landmark season on Sunday, defeating Ben Shelton 6-3, 7-6 (2), 5-7, 6-2 to secure his first US Open singles title. The German top seed needed three hours and 33 minutes to overcome the eighth-seeded American in a compelling final at Arthur Ashe Stadium.
The victory delivered Zverev’s second major championship and confirmed a remarkable year for the 29-year-old. He had captured his first Grand Slam title at Roland Garros earlier in the season, and his US Open triumph left him with a 25-2 record in major tournaments for the year.
New York had begun the day under rainy conditions, but the roof at Arthur Ashe Stadium was open by the time the finalists entered the court. Zverev quickly settled into the match, using steady serving and controlled baseline play to establish an early advantage. He broke ahead for a 3-1 lead in the opening set and kept Shelton from finding the rhythm that has made his powerful serve such a difficult weapon for opponents.
Zverev closed the first set 6-3, but Shelton showed considerably more resistance in the second. The 23-year-old American matched the German through long rallies and repeatedly answered Zverev’s pressure, preventing the top seed from pulling away.
A Tense Second Set
The second set also featured a brief dispute over Zverev’s pre-serve routine. Earlier in the week, Zverev had been asked about the length of time he spends bouncing the ball before serving, saying it was not something he did “on purpose.” During the final, Shelton raised concerns with the chair umpire about the routine. No warning or penalty followed.
Despite the interruption and Shelton’s persistence, Zverev held his nerve when the set reached a tiebreak. He surged to a 5-0 lead before taking the breaker 7-2, moving within one set of the championship.
Shelton, however, refused to allow the match to become a straight-sets result. With the crowd increasingly energized behind the American, he took a 4-3 edge in the third set. Zverev continued to challenge him, and the pair exchanged momentum in a tightly contested stretch, but Shelton ultimately claimed the set 7-5.
The third-set turnaround offered the home supporters a real opening for a comeback. Shelton had the crowd firmly involved, and his response demonstrated the resilience that had carried him to the title match. Yet Zverev regained control in the fourth set, putting aside the shift in atmosphere and producing a more decisive finish.
Zverev Regains Command
The German moved through the final set with authority, winning it 6-2 to finish the match. On championship point, Shelton was unable to return Zverev’s serve. Zverev did not immediately appear to understand that the title had been secured, pausing briefly before celebrating and shouting toward his player box.
His performance closed a chapter that had followed him since the 2020 US Open, when he endured a painful final defeat. This time, Zverev left Arthur Ashe Stadium as champion, adding the New York trophy to his Roland Garros breakthrough.
The US Open win also brought a record-setting payday. Zverev earned $5.5 million, matching the prize received by women’s singles champion Elena Rybakina on Saturday. The amount is the largest prize awarded in Grand Slam history.
Zverev acknowledged that much of the stadium support was directed toward Shelton, while thanking fans for the atmosphere they created across the tournament.
“It was an incredible atmosphere to play in, even though the crowd was against me. You guys brought the energy and noise,” Zverev said.
Shelton’s run to the final carried added significance for American tennis. He was seeking to become the first American man to win the US Open since Andy Roddick lifted the trophy in 2003. He was also attempting to become the first Black male player to win the event since Arthur Ashe in 1968.
Although he fell short of those milestones, Shelton’s performance in the final underscored his ability to compete on one of tennis’ largest stages. His third-set recovery prevented Zverev from completing a routine victory, and his run through the tournament gave the New York audience a home contender to rally behind on championship day.
Among those watching the conclusion was Shelton’s girlfriend, soccer player Trinity Rodman. Rodman had played earlier Sunday for the Washington Spirit in the National Women’s Soccer League and made the trip from Washington, DC, in time to see the final stages of the match.
Zverev referenced her presence during the post-match ceremony with a lighthearted remark.
“Trinity, I thought you had a game today, no? Well done to you as well. You’re the lucky charm. … Not today, but usually.”
Shelton used his own address to the crowd to reflect on the support around him, emphasizing both the highs and setbacks that accompany a professional career.
“My successes are a gift, my failures are a gift. Playing in front of you guys is a gift,” Shelton told the crowd after the match. “I have the best support team in the business. To do this with my family by my side, these four guys over here who dedicate their life to my career, spend time travelling the world with me, it’s an unnatural commitment. I appreciate you guys.”
For Zverev, the final marked the culmination of a season in which he transformed major-tournament consistency into championship success. For Shelton, the defeat denied him a historic title but came at the end of a run that placed him at the center of the sport’s biggest stage in his home country.
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