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US Open 2026 final live blog: Alexander Zverev vs Ben Shelton

Ben Shelton faces Alexander Zverev in the men's final at Arthur Ashe Stadium. Every set, every scene, every quote.

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  1. 01:40Mon 14 SeptTop

    A name, a place on the wall of champions – Alexander Zverev has now definitively etched himself into the tournament's history. Following his 6-4, 7-6(5), 5-7, 6-2 victory over Ben Shelton, his title win is now immortalized where all the great US Open champions stand.

  2. 01:13Mon 14 SeptTop

    The trophy is here – and with it, the final image of the evening. Alexander Zverev poses with the trophy, the Center Court applauds the new champion one more time from the stands.

  3. 01:05Mon 14 SeptTop

    Alexander Zverev's triumph remains the big story of the night even after the match ends. The governing bodies are already looking ahead to the possible consequences for the world rankings following this second Grand Slam title of his career.

  4. 00:47Mon 14 SeptSocial

    The Center Court celebrates the new champion in style: Alexander Zverev clinches the title at the 2026 US Open in a hard-fought five-set thriller.

  5. 00:35Mon 14 SeptSocial

    The video moment captures what makes this evening special: Alexander Zverev as a two-time Grand Slam champion, celebrated by a Center Court that sees a long and eventful season end with a big exclamation mark.

  6. 00:32Mon 14 SeptSocial

    The major federation channels pay tribute to the title win immediately after the match ends. For Alexander Zverev, it's the conclusion of a final that remained wide open for a long time before the decision against Ben Shelton fell.

  7. 00:32Mon 14 SeptTop

    Alexander Zverev wins the US Open 2026 final against Ben Shelton. This victory is set to have a significant impact on the rankings.

  8. 00:28Mon 14 SeptTop

    The images from the moment of title victory show a visibly moved Alexander Zverev – for the tournament organizers a real circle that closes after the final defeat of old. The success against Ben Shelton is classified as a special career moment.

  9. 00:26Mon 14 SeptSocial

    Alexander Zverev clinches the title at the US Open 2026 in this final! The Center Court celebrates his triumph in style.

  10. 00:22Mon 14 SeptTop

    The early break in the fourth set proved decisive: After Ben Shelton had claimed the third set, Alexander Zverev regained control past the three-hour mark and didn't let it slip away until clinching the title.

  11. 00:20Mon 14 SeptSocial

    Six years after his final defeat in New York, Alexander Zverev closes the circle at the same place. The images from the decisive moment show how much this title means to him.

  12. 00:20Mon 14 SeptTop

    Alexander Zverev wins the US Open 2026 and secures the title at this Grand Slam tournament. In the final, he defeated Ben Shelton 6-4, 7-6(5), 5-7, 6-2.

  13. 00:13Mon 14 SeptTop

    New York has a new king, as the governing bodies themselves put it – for Alexander Zverev, it's his second Grand Slam title of his career following this triumph. The official tournament channels celebrate the moment as the crowning achievement of a strong season for the German.

  14. 00:08Mon 14 SeptSocial

    The moment the champion was decided was captured in moving images from Center Court – Zverev in the midst of jubilation as New York celebrates its new champion.

  15. 00:08Mon 14 SeptTop

    Remarkable about this victory: Alexander Zverev apparently had to realize himself what he had just accomplished – the reaction after the final rally didn't look like planned celebration to many in the stadium, but like genuine surprise. It's also being seen as a sign of maturity for a player who has now claimed the title with a 6-3, 7-6(5), 5-7, 6-2 victory over Ben Shelton.

  16. 00:04Mon 14 SeptSocial

    Many years ago, Alexander Zverev stood in a US Open final and had to leave the court as a loser. This time, the story has turned out differently, and the celebration after the final point shows what this moment means to him.

  17. 00:04Mon 14 SeptTop

    A curious scene rounded off the title win: After the final point, Alexander Zverev initially seemed completely detached, almost as if he just wanted to grab his towel. Only when he glanced at the net and saw Ben Shelton coming towards him did it seem to dawn on him that he had just converted match point and claimed the title. This complete absorption in the moment, without a single glance at the scoreboard, is typical of how he performs under pressure.

  18. 00:02Mon 14 SeptSocial

    After losing the final years ago, there was no trembling at the end this time – New York has a new champion, and the relief was written all over his face after the final rally.

  19. 00:02Mon 14 SeptTop

    The moment after was almost as memorable as the title itself: Alexander Zverev didn't initially realize the match was over after the final point and had to be informed by his box. A picture that shows the total concentration with which he had worked through the fourth set before the victory 6-3, 7-6(5), 5-7, 6-2 was sealed.

  20. 00:00Mon 14 SeptScore

    Title for Alexander Zverev! Alexander Zverev defeats Ben Shelton 6-4, 7-6(5), 5-7, 6-2 and wins the US Open 2026 (Men's Final).

  21. 23:58Sun 13 SeptTop

    Alexander Zverev has held his serve to make it 5:2 in the fourth set and now leads 2-1 in sets. The title is not yet decided, but the overall statistics speak in his favor so far: 86 percent of net points won and a first serve percentage of 85 percent show how dominant the German has been, especially in the decisive phases.

  22. 23:57Sun 13 SeptScore

    Current score: Alexander Zverev leads 5-2 in the fourth set. Sets 2-1 for Zverev. Up a break.

  23. 23:55Sun 13 SeptPicture

    The expression says more than any statistic – Zverev leaves no doubt about his determination in the fourth set and leads 2-1 in sets against Ben Shelton.

    Alexander Zverev reacts with focus in the final against Ben Shelton.
    Alexander Zverev reacts with focus in the final against Ben Shelton. · Photo: Darren Carroll/Getty Images
  24. 23:55Sun 13 SeptTop

    Body language tells the story: While Zverev stands broad-legged and composed between points, Shelton keeps looking over to his box. At 5-2 in the ongoing 4th set, he hit a drop shot completely off target – a sign of how much his legs are fading after more than three hours. Zverev converted the break to 5-2.

  25. 23:53Sun 13 SeptPicture

    The images from the net show the emotional rollercoaster in this final – while Zverev leads by sets 2-1, Shelton is visibly struggling to keep his composure in the fourth set.

    Ben Shelton reacts in the final against Alexander Zverev, US Open 2026.
    Ben Shelton reacts in the final against Alexander Zverev, US Open 2026. · Photo: Patrick Smith/Getty Images
  26. 23:53Sun 13 SeptTop

    Zverev is currently playing a near-perfect serving pattern – his first serve win rate of 85 percent on first serve points shows why Shelton is struggling to find an answer. Also striking: Zverev is converting his few break chances efficiently, converting four out of six throughout the match. At 4-2 in the fourth set, this consistency is exactly the difference between the two.

  27. 23:53Sun 13 SeptScore

    Zverev – Shelton 6-4, 7-6(5), 5-7, 6-2 · Hold on serve. Alexander Zverev holds his service game. Highlight: an ace from Zverev.

  28. 23:52Sun 13 SeptScore

    Zverev – Shelton 6-4, 7-6(5), 5-7, 5-2 · Double fault Zverev – his 6th of the match.

  29. 23:51Sun 13 SeptScore

    Current score: Alexander Zverev leads 4-2 in the fourth set. Sets 2-1 for Zverev.

  30. 23:50Sun 13 SeptPicture

    The tension on both sides of the net is clearly visible in the photographers' images – Zverev leads by sets 2-1 and is fighting for the decisive advantage in the fourth set of the final.

    Alexander Zverev reacts in the final against Ben Shelton, Flushing Meadows, September 13, 2026.
    Alexander Zverev reacts in the final against Ben Shelton, Flushing Meadows, September 13, 2026. · Photo: CHARLY TRIBALLEAU/Getty Images
  31. 23:50Sun 13 SeptTop

    The statistics underline just how much Zverev wins the crucial rallies: at the net, the German has won 24 of 28 points, a rate of 86 percent. Shelton, meanwhile, manages only 69 percent at net despite more winners overall – a difference that makes all the difference in the tight moments of the fourth set.

  32. 23:47Sun 13 SeptScore

    Zverev – Shelton 6-3, 7-6(5), 5-7, 5-2 · Break Zverev! The very first break point converts – Alexander Zverev breaks Shelton's serve.

  33. 23:46Sun 13 SeptNews

    On a controversial line call at the baseline, the commentary duo initially disagreed about whether Shelton's return was even good – only the slow-motion replay confirmed that he caught the line by a hair's breadth. Zverev had to continue with the break anyway and takes the opportunity before the next service game to change his shoes.

  34. 23:46Sun 13 SeptTop

    A tactical detail explains Zverev's comeback in the fourth set: At the start, he was positioned two or three meters behind the baseline, which allowed Shelton's drop-shot slice to work effortlessly. Since the beginning of the set, the German is standing noticeably closer to the net and now reaches the short balls with ease – the weapon is thus almost neutralized.

  35. 23:45Sun 13 SeptScore

    Current score: Alexander Zverev leads 3:2 in the fourth set. Sets 2:1 for Zverev.

  36. 23:43Sun 13 SeptSocial

    Another break comeback prevented, another service game held – Zverev remains unperturbed by the loud atmosphere in the stadium and brings his serve through with confidence.

  37. 23:43Sun 13 SeptTop

    At 30-30 in the fourth set, Zverev shows exactly the nerve strength that commentators identify as match-deciding: First a backhand volley, then an overhead smash under pressure, before he moves ahead to 40-30. The statistics underpin the impression of clear nerves – Zverev converts 3 of 5 break points, while Shelton only converts 1 of 3.

  38. 23:42Sun 13 SeptScore

    Current score: Alexander Zverev leads 3-1 in the fourth set. Sets 2-1 for Zverev.

  39. 23:41Sun 13 SeptNews

    Shelton grows bolder in the decisive points of the fourth set: because Zverev keeps the court so tight, the American's only option is to go for high, risky angles past the net. The statistics show how close this battle remains – Shelton leads clearly in winners 46 to 32, but pays the price with significantly more errors.

  40. 23:41Sun 13 SeptTop

    Brief exchange with the chair umpire: Zverev visibly frustrated by movement and noise in the stadium as he prepares to serve at 30-30 in the fourth set. Despite the interruption, he keeps his cool – still leading 2-1 in sets and with a break in the fourth.

  41. 23:38Sun 13 SeptSocial

    The images from the end of the third set show a Shelton clenching his fists and loudly firing up the crowd – an energy boost that shows just how much the American believes in this comeback.

  42. 23:38Sun 13 SeptTop

    Remarkable how differently the two have been capitalizing on second serves so far: Shelton wins 57 percent of his second serves, Zverev only 45 percent. Yet the German is in the more comfortable position – his power on the first serve with 84 percent of points won makes the difference and explains why he's calling the shots again in the fourth set.

  43. 23:35Sun 13 SeptSocial

    After losing the third set, Shelton had to respond – the footage from the turnaround shows an American fighting back with more aggressive serving before Zverev struck again in the fourth set.

  44. 23:35Sun 13 SeptTop

    The break was just the beginning – Shelton fights back immediately to 30-30 and even earns 40-30 with a serve-and-volley winner. Zverev lets his break advantage slip away, but doesn't have to worry about his own serve game for now. The commentators spot the key to Zverev's success: he's moved closer to the baseline and is dictating the rallies like he did at the start of the match.

  45. 23:33Sun 13 SeptScore

    Current score: Alexander Zverev leads 2:1 in the fourth set. Sets 2:1 for Zverev.

  46. 23:32Sun 13 SeptPicture

    A look at Shelton's shoes during his serve – a detail that captures the nervousness and tension in the fourth set, while Zverev remains ahead with 2-1 sets and an early break.

    Close-up of Ben Shelton's shoes during his serve against Alexander Zverev.
    Close-up of Ben Shelton's shoes during his serve against Alexander Zverev. · Photo: Simon Bruty/Getty Images
  47. 23:32Sun 13 SeptTop

    Zverev capitalizes on Shelton's uncertainty with ice-cold precision – the American can't find his rhythm after losing the set. The numbers tell the story: Zverev wins 84 percent of his first serves, while Shelton's second serve percentage collapses. In the fourth set, the German is already up 2-0, with sets at 2-1 in his favor.

  48. 23:29Sun 13 SeptPicture

    Alexander Zverev on return against Ben Shelton – a snapshot capturing the German's control in the fourth set, right after he'd secured the break immediately. Zverev continues to lead 2-1 in sets in the final.

    Alexander Zverev returns against Ben Shelton in the US Open 2026 final.
    Alexander Zverev returns against Ben Shelton in the US Open 2026 final. · Photo: Al Bello/Getty Images
  49. 23:29Sun 13 SeptTop

    The long rally for the break was the highlight of the fourth set so far: both players switched between baseline shots, slices and net attacks before Zverev put down the decisive backhand volley at the net. The stats show why Zverev remains so dangerous at the net – 84 percent of his points there (21 of 25) go his way. Shelton threw his complete shot arsenal into the rallies lately, but against such a confident Zverev at the net it wasn't enough.

  50. 23:27Sun 13 SeptScore

    Current score: Alexander Zverev leads 2-0 in the fourth set. Sets 2-1 for Zverev.

  51. 23:26Sun 13 SeptNews

    Shelton has noticeably changed his tactics and is mixing up his shots much more – that's exactly what takes the predictability out of Zverev's game and creates more heated rallies. The stats back up the American's boldness: 41 winners already on the board, more than Zverev's 31 – though he's matching that with just as many unforced errors.

  52. 23:26Sun 13 SeptTop

    Zverev shows his teeth right away in the fourth set: A serve aimed directly at Shelton's body, who barely manages to escape the danger zone. The commentators read a clear message from the German after losing the third set – no sign of nervousness, instead aggression as the answer.

  53. 23:24Sun 13 SeptScore

    Current score: Alexander Zverev leads 1-0 in the fourth set. Sets 2-1 for Zverev.

  54. 23:21Sun 13 SeptNews

    After winning the set, Shelton remained noticeably long on court despite being drenched in sweat since the middle of the second set – a signal to commentators that he wanted to start the fourth set with a clear head and without interruption. His demeanor appeared more relaxed than in the previous sets, while the reaction on the other side was strikingly subdued: no racket throw, no self-talk, just quiet sitting in the corner.

  55. 23:17Sun 13 SeptScore

    Zverev – Shelton 6-3, 7-6(5), 5-7, 1-0 · Break Zverev! The 2nd break point converts after deuce – Alexander Zverev breaks Shelton's serve.

  56. 23:16Sun 13 SeptNews

    The stats show just how tight this match has been so far: Both players are at exactly 50 percent of total points, 101 to 100 for Zverev. Shelton has taken significantly more risk with 41 winners compared to Zverev's 29, but he's also racked up nine more unforced errors.

  57. 23:16Sun 13 SeptScore

    Zverev – Shelton 6-4, 7-6(5), 5-7, 5-7 · Double fault Shelton – his 4th of the match.

  58. 23:14Sun 13 SeptPicture

    The celebration after the third set ran deep – Shelton let his relief flow freely, while the fans in the stadium celebrated with him. The resistance has brought the American back into the match and fired him up emotionally.

    Ben Shelton celebrates after winning the third set against Alexander Zverev.
    Ben Shelton celebrates after winning the third set against Alexander Zverev. · Photo: ANGELA WEISS/Getty Images
  59. 23:14Sun 13 SeptTop

    Zverev is not shaken by losing the third set – in the fourth, it's all about regaining control for the German. His net play remains striking: throughout the match he wins 80 percent of his points there, a figure that gives him confidence in tight phases like this one. Shelton, on the other hand, lives by his own serve, but Zverev continues to wait patiently for his chances.

  60. 23:12Sun 13 SeptScore

    Set 3 to Ben Shelton: 7-5. Alexander Zverev leads 2-1 in sets.

  61. 23:10Sun 13 SeptNews

    Shelton's father and coach has jumped up multiple times during the third set, but his son isn't seeking eye contact – a sign that Shelton is staying completely focused on himself right now. The stats back him up: on second serve, he's winning 61 percent of his points, significantly more than Zverev's 43 percent – an area where the tide seems to be turning.

  62. 23:10Sun 13 SeptTop

    Striking how Zverev slows down the pace in critical moments of this third set – it almost seems like he's conserving energy rather than forcing every rally. At the net, he remains nearly flawless: he's already converted 16 of 19 points there in the match, a weapon Shelton has had no answer for so far.

  63. 23:09Sun 13 SeptScore

    Zverev – Shelton 6-4, 7-6(5), 5-7 · Break Shelton! The 2nd break point converts – Ben Shelton breaks Zverev's serve.

  64. 23:08Sun 13 SeptPicture

    Ben Shelton is fighting for every point on serve in the third set – his reaction after a hard-fought rally shows the tension of this closing phase.

    Ben Shelton reacts in the third set of the final against Alexander Zverev.
    Ben Shelton reacts in the third set of the final against Alexander Zverev. · Photo: Darren Carroll/Getty Images
  65. 23:08Sun 13 SeptTop

    At 5-6, we see why Zverev keeps his cool even in the third set: on his second serve, he wins only 41 percent of his points, but at the net he's nearly untouchable with 84 percent of points won. That's exactly where he's decided the crucial moments in the third set, most recently with an overhead smash for the point.

  66. 23:06Sun 13 SeptScore

    Score update: Ben Shelton leads 6-5 in the third set. Sets 2-0 for Zverev. It's getting tight.

  67. 23:05Sun 13 SeptPicture

    Ben Shelton after a hard-fought rally in the third set of the final against Alexander Zverev – his body language reveals just how much he's fighting for every point, while Zverev leads after winning two sets.

    Ben Shelton reacts in the final against Alexander Zverev, third set.
    Ben Shelton reacts in the final against Alexander Zverev, third set. · Photo: Matthew Stockman/Getty Images
  68. 23:05Sun 13 SeptTop

    The short backward movement before the serve, the long wait for the ball – Zverev isn't rattled by Shelton's delay tactics on return. At 5-5 in the third set, his serve percentage remains his big advantage: 86 percent of his points on first serve go his way, so far with only one break point saved – the only real danger zone.

  69. 23:03Sun 13 SeptScore

    Score update: 5:5 in the third set. Sets 2:0 for Zverev. It's getting tight.

  70. 23:02Sun 13 SeptSocial

    Looking back at the second set shows just how tight it was before Zverev kept his nerve in the tiebreak. Since then, the pattern has barely changed: Shelton holds his serve, but that crucial break never comes.

  71. 23:02Sun 13 SeptTop

    The stats reveal just how much Zverev relies on his own serve: he wins 89 percent of points on his first serve, and in the second set that's exactly what carried him through the tiebreak. Shelton holds his own at 76 percent, but the picture flips on second serves – here the American has a clear edge at 61 to 41 percent. It explains why Zverev plays it safe and opts for long rallies instead.

  72. 23:00Sun 13 SeptSocial

    A prominent spectator is following the final with particular attention from the stands. For Shelton, a title win this evening would connect him to great American tennis history.

  73. 22:57Sun 13 SeptScore

    Score update: Ben Shelton leads 5-4 in the third set. Sets 2-0 for Zverev. It's getting tight.

  74. 22:56Sun 13 SeptNews

    Notable in the third set: Zverev runs through his serve routine almost mechanically, while Shelton is visibly struggling with the clock and sometimes finds the ball late. The numbers back up the impression – on second serves, Zverev wins only 38 percent of his points, but when the first serve lands, it's nearly 90 percent. It's precisely this reliability on the first serve that keeps Shelton at a distance, no matter how close he gets in the third set.

  75. 22:56Sun 13 SeptTop

    Shelton takes a brief timeout, and barely is he back when Zverev's next service game is already underway. The German isn't fazed and simply sticks to his pattern: venomous first serves, short rallies, no time for Shelton to settle in. The interplay of pace and composure is exactly what's been securing Zverev's lead for two sets now.

  76. 22:54Sun 13 SeptScore

    Current score: 4-4 in the third set. Sets 2-0 for Zverev.

  77. 22:52Sun 13 SeptPicture

    Shelton throws his full force into his serve – despite being down in sets, his service remains his most reliable weapon to stay on level terms in the third set.

    Ben Shelton serving against Alexander Zverev in the US Open 2026 final.
    Ben Shelton serving against Alexander Zverev in the US Open 2026 final. · Photo: Darren Carroll/Getty Images
  78. 22:52Sun 13 SeptTop

    A detail from the ongoing third set explains why Shelton, despite all his resistance, isn't really getting closer: Zverev has so far saved his only break point at love, while Shelton has already squandered two of three break chances. On the crucial points, the German has had the better answers so far.

  79. 22:49Sun 13 SeptPicture

    A look at the spectator stands during the final – in the third set, Shelton continues his attempt to fight back from a two-set deficit.

    A general view from the stands in the final of the US Open 2026.
    A general view from the stands in the final of the US Open 2026. · Photo: Mike Lawrence/Getty Images
  80. 22:49Sun 13 SeptTop

    Point of the evening: Zverev leaves Shelton completely stranded with a short slice return followed by a topspin lob – no preparation, no chance to respond. This is exactly how the German builds his best rallies, as the crowd's reaction in the stadium showed after this baseline exchange.