Story perspectives

Zverev Beats Shelton to Win First U.S. Open Title

By Drooid · Sep 14, 2026, 6:35 AM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

Alexander Zverev beat Ben Shelton in the U.S. Open final, 6-3, 7-6 (2), 5-7, 6-2.
The win gave Zverev his second major title and first U.S. Open crown.
Zverev earned $5.5 million, matching Elena Rybakina for the largest Grand Slam prize.
Shelton, the No. 8 seed, became the first American man in a Grand Slam final since Taylor Fritz in 2024.

History

Historical Context

Juan Martín del Potro’s upset of five-time defending champion Roger Federer gave him the 2009 US Open title, ending Federer’s five-year streak and the only major in a 30-event run not won by the Big Three. Alexander Zverev’s 2024 win over Ben Shelton mirrors that disruption, underscoring rising prize money and the emergence of new champions.

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Story summary

Alexander Zverev beat Ben Shelton in the U.S. Open final, 6-3, 7-6 (2), 5-7, 6-2.
The win gave Zverev his second major title and first U.S. Open crown.
Zverev earned $5.5 million, matching Elena Rybakina for the largest Grand Slam prize.
Shelton, the No. 8 seed, became the first American man in a Grand Slam final since Taylor Fritz in 2024.

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