Zverev wins first US Open title, six years after near miss

Alexander Zverev won his first US Open title on Sunday, beating American Ben Shelton in New York to secure his second major title of 2026. The 29-year-old German prevailed 6-3, 7-6, 5-7, 6-2.

Six years earlier, Zverev had lost the final at the same tournament after winning the opening two sets against Dominic Thiem. That was one of three major finals he lost before making his breakthrough at this year's French Open.

This time, he again led by two sets. Shelton took the third, but Zverev regained control in the fourth. He was so absorbed in the match that he did not immediately realise he had won; his brother Mischa had to call out to him. Zverev later explained that he thought there was still another game to play.

The tournament was also shaped by injuries. World No. 1 Jannik Sinner withdrew, while Carlos Alcaraz was returning after four months away. Zverev acknowledged that he still considered a fully fit Sinner the stronger player.

For Shelton, 23, reaching his first Grand Slam final was itself a step forward. After defeating defending champion Alcaraz in the quarter-finals, he was set to rise to world No. 4. He praised Zverev after the match and promised to return to the final.