Story perspectives

Zverev wins 2026 US Open, first German champion since 1989

By Drooid · Sep 14, 2026, 4:07 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Zverev Wins US Open

Alexander Zverev defeated Ben Shelton to win the 2026 US Open men’s singles title.
It was Zverev’s second Grand Slam of 2026.
Zverev became the first German champion at Flushing Meadows since Boris Becker in 1989.
He earned $5.5 million for the victory.
His loss kept the U.S. men’s Grand Slam drought alive since Andy Roddick’s 2003 US Open win.

Summary

Rybakina Claims US Open

Elena Rybakina won her first US Open women’s title, beating Aryna Sabalenka.
The final score was 6-4, 5-7, 6-2, ending Sabalenka’s 19-match US Open winning streak.
Rybakina earned a $5.5 million prize, the largest Grand Slam payout ever.
Rybakina overtook Sabalenka to become world No. 1 in the WTA rankings.
The win gives Rybakina a chance to complete a Grand Slam at the French Open.

History

Historical Context

In 1973 the US Open became the first Grand Slam to award equal $25,000 prize money to men’s champion John Newcombe and women’s champion Margaret Court, a milestone that followed the Open Era’s 1968 professionalization. After all four majors adopted equal pay by 2007, the 2026 US Open offered record $5.5 million to each singles champion within a $108 million total compensation package.

1 of 3

Zverev Wins US Open

Alexander Zverev defeated Ben Shelton to win the 2026 US Open men’s singles title.
It was Zverev’s second Grand Slam of 2026.
Zverev became the first German champion at Flushing Meadows since Boris Becker in 1989.
He earned $5.5 million for the victory.
His loss kept the U.S. men’s Grand Slam drought alive since Andy Roddick’s 2003 US Open win.

1 / 3