Alexander Zverev Wins First US Open Title by Defeating Ben Shelton

How Zverev Adjusted His Game to Counter Shelton’s Power

Top seed Alexander Zverev captured his first US Open championship on Sunday, defeating American rising star Ben Shelton in a four-set final at Flushing Meadows. The victory came after a hard-fought match that lasted over three hours, with Zverev prevailing 6-4, 3-6, 6-2, 6-2 to claim the title in New York City.

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Zverev’s win adds a major milestone to his career, complementing his earlier French Open triumph and establishing him as a consistent force on the ATP Tour. Shelton, who had energized crowds with his powerful serve and aggressive play throughout the tournament, struggled to maintain momentum against Zverev’s precision and experience in the later sets. The German’s ability to break Shelton’s serve at key moments proved decisive, particularly in the third and fourth sets where he won four of the last five games.

What This Win Means for Zverev’s Legacy

After losing the second set, Zverev varied his return positioning and mixed up the pace of his shots to disrupt Shelton’s rhythm. He increased his use of sliced backhands and drop shots, forcing the American to move forward and uncomfortable zones. This tactical shift reduced Shelton’s opportunities to unleash his forehand and limited his effectiveness on serve. Zverev also improved his first-serve percentage in the final two sets, rising from 58% to 68%, which helped him control rallies and minimize unforced errors.

The victory marks Zverev’s second Grand Slam title and places him among the few active players to have won multiple majors on different surfaces. It also ends a drought for American men hoping to see a homegrown champion at the US Open, the last of whom was Andy Roddick in 2003. Zverev’s composure under pressure and ability to close out matches against younger, high-energy opponents further solidify his reputation as a top-tier competitor in men’s tennis.

How did Zverev perform in the final compared to his earlier matches at the tournament? Zverev dropped only one set en route to the title, showing consistent form throughout the event. His level in the final matched his best performances, particularly in his ability to break serve when needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was Shelton’s reaction after the match? Shelton praised Zverev’s play and acknowledged the challenge of facing a seasoned Grand Slam champion, calling the experience valuable for his development despite the loss.

When is Zverev scheduled to play next? Zverev is set to compete in the Laver Cup in London from September 25 to 27, representing Team Europe in the upcoming exhibition event.