Alexander Zverev Defeats Ben Shelton to Claim U.S. Open Title
Alexander Zverev won the U.S. Open men's singles title on Sunday, defeating Ben Shelton in four sets. The victory marks Zverev's second major of the year and extends the Grand Slam drought for American men to 23 years.
Alexander Zverev defeated Ben Shelton in straight sets (6-3, 7-6(2), 5-7, 6-2) to win the U.S. Open men's singles title on Sunday. This victory marks Zverev's second major championship of the year, following his French Open win earlier this season.
Zverev entered the tournament as the No. 1 seed after top-ranked Jannik Sinner withdrew due to a knee injury. With this win, Zverev improved his record in major matches this year to 25 wins and 2 losses. He also earned $5.5 million US, matching the prize earned by women's champion Elena Rybakina as the largest in Grand Slam history.
The result extends the Grand Slam title drought for American men to 23 years, as no American man has won a New York-based Grand Slam since Andy Roddick in 2003. Ben Shelton, the No. 8 seed, was attempting to become the first Black player to win the men's U.S. Open crown since Arthur Ashe in 1968.
Shelton had previously eliminated defending champion Carlos Alcaraz in a five-set quarterfinal that ended at 3:33 a.m. ET, the latest finish in U.S. Open history. Following his loss in the final, Zverev recalled losing the 2020 U.S. Open final to Dominic Thiem after blowing a two-set lead, noting he is now free from those past ghosts.