Overview
- Zverev defeated Ben Shelton 6-3, 7-6 (7-2), 5-7, 6-2 to claim the US Open title and briefly did not realize the match was over before celebrating.
- In his on-court speech Zverev thanked his family and dedicated the win to his mother while referencing the long struggle that preceded his breakthrough.
- The title is Zverev’s second Grand Slam of 2026 after Roland Garros and moves him within roughly 1,800 points of ATP leader Jannik Sinner, giving him a clear path to No. 1 if rivals lose or fail to defend late-season points.
- Many outlets praised Zverev’s mental growth and consistency but several commentators noted the draw was weakened by injuries and early exits of top rivals, a point used to qualify the triumph.
- The win makes Zverev the first German men’s major champion since Boris Becker and caps a season that has reversed years of near-misses into sustained top-level success.