Alexander Zverev Wins U.S. Open for Second Grand Slam Title
Wertynews.com – Alexander Zverev wins U S Open after defeating Ben Shelton 6-3, 7-6 (2), 5-7, 6-2 in the men’s singles final. The victory gave the German his second Grand Slam championship and completed a defining season at tennis’ biggest tournaments.
Zverev, the No. 1 seed in New York, controlled much of the final against Shelton, who was playing in his first major title match. He won the opening set, dominated the second-set tiebreak and regained command after Shelton extended the contest by taking the third set.
There was a brief moment of confusion after the final point. Zverev initially moved behind the baseline as if play would continue, then realized he had secured the championship and raised his arms in celebration.
Zverev’s Grand Slam Season
The U.S. Open title improved Zverev’s Grand Slam record for the year to 25-2. It followed his breakthrough French Open victory earlier in the season, giving him two major trophies in the same year.
He also reached the Wimbledon final, where he lost to Jannik Sinner. Sinner later withdrew from the U.S. Open with a knee injury, which moved Zverev into the top-seeded position for the tournament.
Zverev earned $5.5 million for winning the title, the same amount received by women’s champion Elena Rybakina. The award matched the largest prize money payout in Grand Slam history.
Ben Shelton’s Historic Tournament Run
Shelton entered the final with the home crowd behind him and hopes of becoming the first American man to win a major since Andy Roddick captured the U.S. Open in 2003. Although he fell short in the championship match, his tournament run was among the most memorable of the event.
The 23-year-old defeated defending champion Carlos Alcaraz in a five-set quarterfinal that ended at 3:33 a.m., the latest finish in U.S. Open history. He then beat fellow American Francis Tiafoe in the semifinal to earn his place in the final.
Shelton also became the first Black American man to reach the U.S. Open final since Arthur Ashe in 1972. A victory would have made him the first player since 1975 to beat both the No. 1 and No. 2 seeds en route to the title.
After losing the first set, Shelton pushed Zverev hard in the second before falling 7-2 in the tiebreak. He responded with a 7-5 third set, using the energy of the crowd to force a fourth set and create hope of a comeback.
Zverev quickly stopped that momentum. His steady play and control in key moments helped him take the fourth set 6-2 and close out the match.
A Different Ending in New York
The title carried particular weight for Zverev because of his previous U.S. Open heartbreak. In the 2020 final, he led Dominic Thiem by two sets and came within two points of victory before losing, becoming the first man since 1949 to surrender a two-set lead in a Grand Slam final.
His French Open win earlier in the season began to reshape that narrative. By winning in New York, Zverev added another major title and showed he could handle the pressure of a U.S. Open final.
FAQ: Alexander Zverev’s U.S. Open Victory
Who did Alexander Zverev beat in the U.S. Open final?
Zverev defeated Ben Shelton 6-3, 7-6 (2), 5-7, 6-2.
How many Grand Slam titles does Zverev have?
The U.S. Open win was Zverev’s second Grand Slam singles title, following his French Open victory earlier that year.
What prize money did Zverev receive?
Zverev received $5.5 million, matching the prize awarded to women’s champion Elena Rybakina and equaling the largest payout in Grand Slam history.