Story perspectives

Ben Shelton Faces Zverev in US Open Final Sunday

By Drooid · Sep 13, 2026, 2:12 AM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

Ben Shelton will face Alexander Zverev in the US Open final on Sunday.
Shelton could end a 23-year drought of American men’s Grand Slam titles.
Shelton could become the first Black American man to win the US Open since 1968.
The champion will earn $5.5 million, while the runner-up receives $2.8 million from the $108 million pool.

History

Historical Context

Arthur Ashe shattered tennis’s racial barrier by winning the inaugural Open-Era US Open in 1968, the first Black man to claim a major. After Andy Roddick’s 2003 victory ended a 23-year U.S. men’s Grand Slam drought, Ben Shelton’s 2024 final against Alexander Zverev revives that legacy, with the champion set to earn $5.5 million.

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Story summary

Ben Shelton will face Alexander Zverev in the US Open final on Sunday.
Shelton could end a 23-year drought of American men’s Grand Slam titles.
Shelton could become the first Black American man to win the US Open since 1968.
The champion will earn $5.5 million, while the runner-up receives $2.8 million from the $108 million pool.

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