Zverev wins US Open and makes conditional claim to world’s best

Alexander Zverev defeated Ben Shelton 6-3, 7-6 (7-2), 5-7, 6-2 in the US Open men’s singles final in New York, securing his first title at the tournament and his second Grand Slam championship.

The German had won the French Open earlier in 2026 and lost the Wimbledon final to Jannik Sinner. His victory over Shelton adds to a season in which he has established himself as a leading force in the men’s game.

Speaking after the final, Zverev told Sky Sports he could currently be considered the world’s best player, citing Sinner’s injury and Carlos Alcaraz’s return from a lengthy lay-off.

Zverev qualified the claim, saying Sinner would still be ahead if both Sinner and Alcaraz were fully fit and performing at their best. Sinner withdrew from the US Open before the tournament, while Alcaraz returned to competition after injury.

The defeat ended Shelton’s bid to become the first American man to win a major since Andy Roddick’s 2003 US Open victory. It was Shelton’s first Grand Slam final.