Story perspectives

Zverev Wins 2026 US Open, Ends 23-Year Drought

By Drooid · Sep 14, 2026, 10:16 AM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

Alexander Zverev defeated Ben Shelton 6-3, 7-6(7-2), 5-7, 6-2 to win the 2026 US Open men’s singles title.
The victory extended the United States’ 23-year men’s major title drought since Andy Roddick’s 2003 win.
Ben Shelton, 23, became the first Black American man in a US Open final since Arthur Ashe in 1972.
Zverev earned $5.5 million prize money and accepted the Tiffany & Co. trophy from Jimmy Connors.

History

Historical Context

In 2003, Andy Roddick won the US Open men’s singles, ending a 23-year American title drought since 1980. Roddick collected $1.8 million, the tournament’s record purse then, while the USTA highlighted rising prize-money expectations. Zverev’s 2026 win, $5.5 million and Tiffany & Co. trophy from Jimmy Connors, echoes Roddick’s breakthrough as Shelton becomes Black finalist since Arthur Ashe’s 1972 appearance. The recurrence highlights the US Open’s evolving diversity spotlight and escalating prize pools, prompting the USTA to explore significant broader inclusion initiatives.

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Story summary

Alexander Zverev defeated Ben Shelton 6-3, 7-6(7-2), 5-7, 6-2 to win the 2026 US Open men’s singles title.
The victory extended the United States’ 23-year men’s major title drought since Andy Roddick’s 2003 win.
Ben Shelton, 23, became the first Black American man in a US Open final since Arthur Ashe in 1972.
Zverev earned $5.5 million prize money and accepted the Tiffany & Co. trophy from Jimmy Connors.

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