Zverev Outlasts Shelton in Four Sets to Capture Second Grand Slam at Flushing Meadows
Alexander Zverev defeated Ben Shelton 6-3, 7-6 (2), 5-7, 6-2 to win the 2026 US Open men's title. Shelton made history as the first Black man to reach the final since Arthur Ashe, and the first American man to do so since Andy Roddick. Zverev's victory marked his second major championship.
Zverev's victory completed a remarkable 2026, adding the US Open to his French Open title. He became only the fourth man in the Open era to win his first two majors in the same year, joining Connors, Vilas, and Sinner. Seeded No. 1 for the first time, he finished the year's majors with a 25-2 record, and survived back-to-back five-setters to open the tournament.
Shelton's run was historic, as he was the first Black man to reach a major final since Arthur Ashe and the first American man since Roddick. He broke Zverev's streaks of 66 consecutive service holds and 12 straight sets won against him, but ultimately fell. His runner-up finish lifts him to a career-high No. 4 ranking, and he had strong support from girlfriend Trinity Rodman.
Shelton's run may inspire a new generation of American and Black tennis players, given his historic final appearance. The result could reignite conversations about the lack of American male major champions since 2003, potentially boosting youth participation and investment in the sport. Zverev's success may also elevate tennis's profile in Germany, but the immediate societal impact likely centers on how Shelton's breakthrough reshapes expectations for diversity and American competitiveness in men's tennis.