Alexander Zverev has secured his first US Open title, defeating Ben Shelton in four sets with scores of 6-3, 7-6 (2), 5-7, 6-2. This victory marks Zverev's second Grand Slam title of the year, adding to his recent success at the French Open.
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The loss prolongs the drought for American men at the US Open, which has now reached 23 years. Shelton, seeded No. 8 and regarded as a strong contender, had earlier captivated the crowd and made a notable run in the tournament. However, he was ultimately unable to break the long-standing drought that began after Andy Roddick's win in 2003.
During the trophy presentation, Zverev acknowledged the support for Shelton, saying, "I know that 99.9% of people wanted Ben to win, so I'm sorry." The match, held at Arthur Ashe Stadium, lasted over three and a half hours and showcased Zverev's experience and skill.
Shelton's performance throughout the tournament, including his defeat of Frances Tiafoe in the semifinals, had positioned him as a promising future star for American tennis. Despite the disappointment, he remains a popular figure among fans.