Overview
- Alexander Zverev defeated Ben Shelton 6-3, 7-6(2), 5-7, 6-2 to win the US Open final on Sunday and claim his second major of the year.
- Shelton reached his first Grand Slam final at age 23 and will rise to a career-high No. 4 in the ATP rankings despite the loss.
- Umpires intervened over Zverev's prolonged pre-serve ball-bouncing during the tournament and issued at least one time violation, a pattern that drew complaints from opponents who said the routine disrupted their preparation.
- The win improves Zverev's head-to-head record against Shelton to 6-0 and extends his strong 2026 major form to a roughly 25-2 record at Grand Slams this year.
- Shelton's defeat means American men have not won a major singles title since Andy Roddick in 2003, and the fortnight also featured late finishes and upsets that reshaped the draw and recovery questions for players.