New York – Top seed Alexander Zverev banished bitter U.S. Open memories to beat American Ben Shelton 6-3, 7-6 (7-2), 5-7, 6-2 in the final on Sunday, capturing the title six years after letting a golden opportunity slip through his fingers.
The German squandered a two-set lead in the 2020 title match against Austrian Dominic Thiem but now, armed with a champion’s mentality following his breakthrough triumph at Roland Garros in June, he broke American hearts with a devastating display against Shelton.
“I think God has seen how hard we worked, how much we suffered, how much pain we went through, and I think 2026 is the outcome of all the years that happened before,” Zverev said during the presentation ceremony.
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