Men’s top seed Alexander Zverev caps breakthrough year with US Open title

Alexander Zverev Claims First US Open Crown After Four-Set Final

Activelifezero.com – Alexander Zverev completed a landmark season on Sunday, defeating Ben Shelton in a gripping US Open men’s final to secure the first title of his career at Flushing Meadows. The German top seed prevailed 6-3, 7-6 (2), 5-7, 6-2 after three hours and 33 minutes inside Arthur Ashe Stadium.

The victory gave the 29-year-old his second Grand Slam singles championship. His first arrived at Roland Garros earlier this year, making the US Open triumph the latest milestone in a season that has transformed his major-tournament résumé.

Zverev’s final record in Grand Slam events this year stands at 25-2, and he collected $5.5 million in prize money. The payout matches the amount earned by women’s champion Elena Rybakina on Saturday and represents the largest prize in Grand Slam history.

A Fast Start for the Top Seed

Morning rain had affected the New York metropolitan area, but the roof over Arthur Ashe Stadium was open when Zverev and Shelton took the court. Zverev quickly established control in the opening set, breaking into a 3-1 advantage and keeping Shelton from finding the sustained pressure normally created by his powerful serve.

Shelton continued to produce his trademark pace, but Zverev remained steady from the baseline and closed the first set 6-3. The German’s composure was especially important against an opponent playing in front of an increasingly vocal home crowd.

The second set was far tighter. Shelton, the No. 8 seed, matched Zverev through extended exchanges and refused to allow the match to become one-sided. Their contest also included a tense moment over Zverev’s lengthy ball-bouncing routine before serving.

Zverev had been questioned earlier in the week about the habit and said it was not something he did deliberately. During the final, Shelton raised the issue with the chair umpire. No warning or penalty followed, and play continued without a formal sanction.

With neither player able to create decisive separation in the second set, Shelton forced a tiebreak. Zverev responded decisively, racing ahead 5-0 before sealing the breaker 7-2 and taking a two-set lead.

Shelton Extends the Fight

The American found another level in the third set, drawing energy from the stands as he tried to prevent the final from ending in straight sets. Shelton moved in front 4-3 and continued to challenge Zverev despite the pressure of trailing in the match.

Both players traded momentum in a closely contested stretch, but Shelton ultimately captured the set 7-5. His recovery brought Arthur Ashe Stadium to life and gave the crowd hope that he could engineer a comeback against the world’s leading seed.

For Shelton, the final carried significance beyond a first major title opportunity. He was seeking to become the first American man to win the US Open since Andy Roddick in 2003. A victory also would have made him the first Black male champion of the tournament since Arthur Ashe in 1968.

Instead, Zverev quickly halted the shift in momentum. He reset in the fourth set, dictated the pace and pulled away in a 6-2 finish. The result underlined his ability to recover after Shelton’s third-set surge and to close the championship match with authority.

A Delayed Realization, Then Celebration

On championship point, Shelton could not return Zverev’s serve. For a brief moment, Zverev appeared not to recognize that the match was over. Once the realization set in, he celebrated emphatically, shouting toward his player box after ending a US Open journey that had previously brought painful memories.

“It was an incredible atmosphere to play in, even though the crowd was against me. You guys brought the energy and noise,” Zverev said.

Although much of the stadium supported Shelton, Zverev acknowledged the atmosphere and the role of the New York audience during the tournament’s final two weeks. The win also marked a personal breakthrough after the disappointment he experienced in the 2020 US Open final.

Shelton was supported at the end of the match by his girlfriend, soccer player Trinity Rodman. Rodman had played earlier Sunday for the Washington Spirit in the National Women’s Soccer League and made the trip from Washington, DC, in time to see the closing stages.

“Trinity, I thought you had a game today, no? Well done to you as well. You’re the lucky charm. … Not today, but usually,” Zverev joked.

Despite the loss, Shelton addressed the crowd with gratitude and reflected on the people surrounding his career. His run to the final reinforced his place among the leading young American players, while Zverev left New York with another major trophy and a season defined by success on tennis’ biggest stages.

“My successes are a gift, my failures are a gift. Playing in front of you guys is a gift,” Shelton said. “I have the best support team in the business. To do this with my family by my side, these four guys over here who dedicate their life to my career, spend time travelling the world with me, it’s an unnatural commitment. I appreciate you guys.”