Zverev Claims US Open Title, Germany's First Men's Major Champion Since 1996
Zverev playing against Tabilo. Photo by The Empire City Wire
Zverev Beats Shelton
Alexander Zverev has finally broken through on the grandest stage in American tennis, capturing his long-awaited first Grand Slam title with a hard-fought victory over home-favorite Ben Shelton under the lights at Arthur Ashe Stadium.
Zverev claimed the title in four sets, defeating the 23-year-old American 6-3, 7-6(2), 5-7, 6-2 in a match defined by big serves, intense baseline rallies, and key clutch moments.
The victory marks a defining milestone for New Yorkers who have watched Zverev come close in Queens before. Six years after his agonizing five-set loss in the 2020 final, the German star finally lifted the trophy, displaying remarkable resilience after dropping a tight third set to seal the win in dominant fashion during the fourth.
The electric atmosphere inside Arthur Ashe Stadium was heavily skewed in Shelton's favor, as New Yorkers rallied behind the 23-year-old in hopes of witnessing the first American man to win the US Open since Andy Roddick in 2003. Coming off a massive upset victory over Carlos Alcaraz earlier in the tournament, Shelton brought serious momentum into the final, turning the grandstand into a roaring sea of home-country support.
Every boisterous winner and signature serve from the young lefty sent shockwaves through the crowd, creating an intensely hostile environment for Zverev as the home fans desperately willed an American champion back onto the podium after more than two decades. Zverev pushed through nonetheless to secure his title.
Zverev serving against Tabilo. Photo by The Empire City Wire
How the Match Was Won
Early Control: Zverev set the tone early in the opening set, targeting Shelton's backhand and securing a single break of serve to take it 6-3.
The Tiebreak Pivot: Shelton pushed hard in the second set, utilizing his explosive 140+ mph serve to stay on serve. However, Zverev played a flawless tiebreak, racing to a 7-2 win to take a commanding two-set lead.
Shelton’s Spark: Powered by a raucous New York crowd, Shelton fought back in the third set. Firing clean winners and pressuring Zverev’s second serve, the young American broke late to grab the set 7-5 and keep his title hopes alive.
Closing it Out: Zverev quickly squashed any comeback momentum in the fourth set. Breaking Shelton early, Zverev maintained laser focus on his own service games, closing out the match 6-2 to secure the championship.
For Shelton, the run to his first major final caps an electric fortnight in Flushing, proving his status as one of the brightest young stars in American sports. But the night ultimately belonged to Zverev, who returns to the top of the tennis world as a Grand Slam champion at last.
