Alexander Zverev overcame memories of his painful 2020 US Open defeat to beat Ben Shelton and claim another Grand Slam victory.
The German top seed defeated American Shelton 6-3, 7-6 (7-2), 5-7, 6-2 in front of a 24,000-strong crowd at Flushing Meadows. Zverev’s victory was especially significant because of what happened at the same tournament six years earlier.
In the 2020 final, he surrendered a two-set lead against Dominic Thiem after serving for the championship in the fifth set. That defeat left Zverev in tears during the trophy presentation. He famously expressed his hope of eventually bringing the US Open trophy home.
This time, however, the 29-year-old showed the composure of a Grand Slam champion. He had already won his first major title at the French Open in June. His concentration was so intense that he initially failed to realise he had won. After hitting an unreturnable serve, Zverev returned to the baseline as though another point was about to begin. His team then told him the match was over.
“In that moment I was in the zone a lot. I didn’t hear noise at all,” Zverev said.
He added that forgetting the score helped him follow one of tennis’ most basic lessons: focus only on the next point.
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The realisation eventually sank in. Zverev smiled in surprise before raising his arms in celebration. The triumph also marked a remarkable period for German tennis. Zverev noted that Germany had gone 30 years without a Grand Slam men’s singles champion before winning two titles.
“2026 is the outcome of all the years that happened before,” he said.
His father and coach, Alexander Zverev senior, watched from the sidelines, unlike at his previous US Open final.
Zverev also paid tribute to his mother for supporting him after he was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes as a child. He recalled how doctors had warned that the condition could limit his life and sporting career.
“My mother is the most important and strongest person I know,” Zverev said.
