Alexander Zverev claims first US Open crown after four-set final
Goldlaner.com – Alexander Zverev completed a landmark season on Sunday, defeating Ben Shelton 6-3, 7-6 (2), 5-7, 6-2 to capture his first US Open singles championship. The top-seeded German prevailed in a gripping final at Arthur Ashe Stadium that lasted three hours and 33 minutes.
The victory gives the 29-year-old his second grand slam title of the year, following his breakthrough triumph at Roland Garros. It also brought a measure of redemption in New York after the disappointment Zverev experienced at the tournament in 2020.
Although rain affected the New York metropolitan area earlier in the day, the roof was open when the players entered Arthur Ashe Stadium. Zverev established control quickly, using his returning and baseline consistency to neutralize Shelton’s powerful serve. He moved ahead 3-1 in the opening set and closed it out 6-3.
Shelton raises the pressure
Shelton, the eighth seed and home favorite, produced a much stronger challenge in the second set. The 23-year-old American matched Zverev through a series of demanding games and pushed the set into a tiebreak.
There was also a tense exchange during the set involving Zverev’s routine before serving. Earlier in the tournament, Zverev had said his extended ball-bouncing was not intentional. Shelton later voiced frustration to the chair umpire over the delay, but no warning or penalty was issued.
Once the tiebreak began, Zverev found another level. He surged to a 5-0 advantage before sealing the set 7-6 (2), placing himself one set away from the title. The scoreline, however, did not fully reflect Shelton’s resistance, as the American continued to find ways to challenge the world’s leading seed.
The match shifted again in the third set. With the crowd increasingly energized behind Shelton, he built a 4-3 lead and held his nerve through a closely contested finish. Zverev continued to battle, but Shelton took the set 7-5 to prevent the final from ending in straight sets.
Zverev responds to the momentum swing
Shelton’s comeback gave the New York audience fresh hope of seeing an American man lift the trophy for the first time since Andy Roddick won in 2003. He was also pursuing the chance to become the first Black male champion at the US Open since Arthur Ashe captured the title in 1968.
Instead, Zverev answered decisively in the fourth set. He regained command of the rallies, absorbed the momentum generated by Shelton and pulled away for a 6-2 finish. The German’s ability to reset after losing the third set proved central to the outcome.
On championship point, Shelton was unable to put Zverev’s serve back into play. Zverev did not immediately appear to recognize that the match was over. After a brief pause, he turned toward his team and celebrated with a loud cry of triumph.
“It was an incredible atmosphere to play in, even though the crowd was against me. You guys brought the energy and noise,” Zverev said.
The champion leaves New York with a 25-2 record in grand slam competition for the year and $5.5 million in prize money. That figure matches the payout received by women’s singles champion Elena Rybakina on Saturday and represents the largest prize in grand slam history.
Zverev acknowledged the unusual task of competing against a crowd heavily invested in Shelton’s success, while still recognizing the atmosphere created across the final two weeks of the tournament. His win adds another defining chapter to a season in which he has converted his high seeding into major-title success.
Shelton finds perspective after defeat
Shelton’s support was visible at the conclusion of the match. His girlfriend, soccer player Trinity Rodman, arrived from Washington, DC, after playing earlier Sunday for the Washington Spirit in the National Women’s Soccer League.
Zverev made light of Rodman’s late arrival during the trophy ceremony.
“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.
For Shelton, the loss ended an impressive run without the historic finish he sought. Still, his performance in the final demonstrated the resilience that carried him through the tournament, particularly in the third set when he refused to allow Zverev to complete a routine victory.
“My successes are a gift, my failures are a gift. Playing in front of you guys is a gift,” Shelton told the crowd after the match. “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.”
While Shelton fell short of a first US Open title, Zverev left Arthur Ashe Stadium with the championship that had previously eluded him. His four-set win over one of American tennis’ leading young players capped a season defined by major victories and a long-awaited New York breakthrough.
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