Overview
- Alexander Zverev beat Ben Shelton 6-3, 7-6(2), 5-7, 6-2 to win the US Open final on Sunday, September 13, 2026, securing his second Grand Slam of the year after Roland Garros.
- The title lifted Zverev to first place in the ATP Race to Turin and made him the highest earner on tour for 2026, with reports putting his year‑to‑date prize money at about $14.5 million, including $5.5 million from the US Open.
- Ben Shelton rose to a career high after a breakthrough run that included a five‑set quarterfinal upset of defending champion Carlos Alcaraz and a win over Frances Tiafoe in the semis, but he fell short in his first major final.
- Commentators and players gave mixed reactions: some former champions defended Zverev’s persistence and tactics, while others questioned the quality of opposition he faced and criticised his lengthy pre‑serve routine.
- Broadcasters revisited past domestic‑abuse allegations against Zverev during coverage, noting that one probe found insufficient evidence and a separate German case ended in a settlement without a finding of guilt, which has kept off‑court issues part of the public conversation.