Alexander Zverev won his second Grand Slam title by defeating Ben Shelton in the 2026 US Open final, with a score of 6-3, 7-6, 5-7, 6-2. This victory marks a significant achievement for Zverev, who had previously faced criticism for not securing a Grand Slam title until this year. Following the match, Zverev was asked if he considered himself the best player in the world now that he has won two Grand Slam titles in a single season.
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The men's final attracted a record 3.2 million viewers on ABC, making it the most-watched US Open men’s final in the network’s history. This year’s US Open also coincided with the first week of the 2026 NFL season, yet still garnered impressive ratings.
Events around the final included notable celebrity attendance, with stars such as Brad Pitt and Anna Wintour spotted at Arthur Ashe Stadium.
Despite Zverev's achievement, he faced some backlash from fans regarding comments he made after the match, particularly about opponent Carlos Alcaraz. Critics have described his remarks as inappropriate, while tennis analysts are divided on whether Zverev belongs in the elite tier of current men's tennis alongside rising stars like Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner, who have collectively won 12 Grand Slam titles.
As Zverev celebrates his victory, he has expressed respect for Shelton and acknowledged the challenging nature of the match.