New York – In a dramatic three‑hour‑and‑33‑minute final at Arthur Ashe Stadium, top‑seed Alexander Zverev emerged victorious over No. 8 seed Ben Shelton, securing his first US Open title and his second Grand Slam overall. The German, 29, won 6‑3, 7‑6 (2), 5‑7, 6‑2, finishing a breakthrough year that also included a Roland Garros triumph earlier in the season.
Match Overview
Zverev started strong, breaking early to lead 3‑1 and closing the first set 6‑3. Shelton, known for his powerful serve, fought back in the second set, forcing a tiebreak. Zverev surged ahead 5‑0 in the breaker and held on to claim the set 7‑6 (2). The third set saw Shelton rally, taking it 7‑5 after a back‑and‑forth battle that kept the crowd on edge.
In the decisive fourth set, Zverev regained momentum, breaking Shelton early and cruising to a 6‑2 finish. After Shelton failed to return serve on championship point, Zverev celebrated with a loud “let’s go” before acknowledging the supportive crowd, even though many had cheered for the American.
Prize Money and Season Highlights
With the victory, Zverev joins the elite group of players earning $5.5 million for a Grand Slam win – the same amount awarded to women’s champion Elena Rybakina. The German now holds a 25‑2 record in major tournaments for the year, underscoring his consistency on the biggest stages.
Earlier in the season, Zverev captured his first Grand Slam title at Roland Garros, defeating top competitors on the clay courts of Paris. His success this year reflects a steady rise in performance, fitness, and mental toughness.
Personal Touches and Support
After the match, Zverev thanked the New York crowd for their energy, noting that the atmosphere helped him stay focused despite not being the fan favorite. Shelton’s girlfriend, Trinity Rodman – a professional soccer player for the Washington Spirit – traveled from Washington, D.C., to witness the final moments of the match.
Shelton, who aimed to become the first American man to win the US Open since Andy Roddick in 2003 and the first Black male champion since Arthur Ashe in 1968, praised his support team and family, calling their dedication “an unnatural commitment.” He described both his successes and setbacks as gifts, emphasizing gratitude for the experience.
Looking Ahead
Zverev’s triumph positions him as a leading contender for the upcoming season’s major events, including the Australian Open and Wimbledon. Fans and analysts will watch to see if he can translate his momentum into further titles and continue to challenge the sport’s traditional powerhouses.
The US Open final also highlighted the growing international appeal of tennis, with players from Europe, North America, and beyond drawing large, enthusiastic crowds in New York. As the tournament concludes, the sport looks forward to a new era of competition driven by emerging talent and seasoned champions alike.
Original reporting: El Paso News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
