Alexander Zverev Claims First US Open Crown After Four-Set Final
Sandego.net – Alexander Zverev completed a landmark season on Sunday, beating American Ben Shelton 6-3, 7-6 (2), 5-7, 6-2 to capture the US Open men’s singles championship for the first time. The top-seeded German required three hours and 33 minutes to overcome the eighth seed in a compelling final at Arthur Ashe Stadium.
The victory gives Zverev, 29, his second grand slam trophy of the year after his breakthrough title at Roland Garros. It also offered a fitting answer to the disappointment he experienced at the US Open in 2020, when he was unable to convert a two-set lead in the final.
New York had been hit by rain earlier in the day, but the Arthur Ashe Stadium roof was open by the time the players entered the court. Zverev settled into the conditions more quickly, using a controlled return game and steady baseline play to take an early 3-1 advantage.
Shelton’s powerful serve, often one of the most intimidating shots in men’s tennis, did not create enough openings in the opening set. Zverev stayed composed and closed it out 6-3, putting himself in command of the contest.
Shelton Pushes the Top Seed
The second set became far more competitive as Shelton found greater rhythm and matched Zverev through extended rallies. The 23-year-old American continued to apply pressure, refusing to allow the favorite to turn the final into a one-sided affair.
There was also a tense exchange involving Zverev’s preparation before serving. Earlier in the tournament, Zverev had been questioned about the length of time he spent bouncing the ball before points, something he said was not done deliberately. Shelton raised the issue with the chair umpire during the final, though no warning or penalty followed.
Shelton ultimately forced a tiebreak, but Zverev delivered his sharpest tennis at the most important moment. He surged to a 5-0 lead in the breaker and went on to claim it 7-6 (2), moving within one set of the championship.
Rather than fade after losing the first two sets, Shelton produced his strongest stretch of the match in the third. Energized by a crowd that increasingly rallied behind him, he took a 4-3 lead and held firm during a series of momentum swings. Zverev fought to stay close, but Shelton secured the set 7-5 and ensured the final would continue.
For Shelton, the third-set response illustrated why the American had reached the final. He remained aggressive under pressure and gave the home supporters reason to believe a comeback was possible. A title would have made him the first American man to win the US Open since Andy Roddick in 2003, as well as the first Black male champion at the event since Arthur Ashe in 1968.
Zverev Regains Control
The fourth set, however, belonged decisively to Zverev. He quickly neutralized the emotional lift Shelton had gained and re-established the calm, efficient tennis that defined his best moments in the match. The German pulled away for a 6-2 set to seal the title.
When Shelton was unable to put Zverev’s championship-point serve back into play, the new champion did not immediately appear to understand that the match had ended. After a brief pause, the significance of the moment registered. Zverev turned toward his team and celebrated with a loud cry of “lets go.”
He closed the grand slam season with a 25-2 record in major tournaments and earned $5.5 million in prize money. The amount matched the prize received by women’s singles champion Elena Rybakina on Saturday and represented the largest grand slam prize in history.
“It was an incredible atmosphere to play in, even though the crowd was against me. You guys brought the energy and noise,” Zverev said.
Zverev acknowledged the crowd’s clear support for Shelton while praising the atmosphere created during the final two weeks in New York. The match brought another major trophy to a season that has transformed his grand slam record and added a US Open title to his Roland Garros success.
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 end of the final.
“Trinity, I thought you had a game today, no? Well done to you as well. You’re the lucky charm. … Not today, but usually,” Zverev joked.
Shelton Finds Perspective in Defeat
Although Shelton fell short of his first major title, he received a warm response from the Arthur Ashe crowd after an effort that kept the final alive well into the fourth set. He used his post-match remarks to thank his family and the group supporting his 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.”
The final presented two players at different stages of their careers: Zverev, finally converting a season of sustained major success into a US Open championship, and Shelton, whose run offered another reminder of his ability to challenge the sport’s leading names. On this occasion, Zverev’s experience and ability to reset after the third set made the difference.
Related Reading
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Men s top seed Alexander Zverev?
Men s top seed Alexander Zverev is the main topic of this guide. The article explains the context, practical details, and next steps readers should understand.
Why does Men s top seed Alexander Zverev matter?
Men s top seed Alexander Zverev matters because readers are looking for a useful answer, not just a short summary. Good content should match search intent and help them decide what to do next.
