Key events<\/p>\n
And with that, the 2026 US Open comes to an end. A pair of first-time New York champions in the singles draws, between Elena Rybakina on the women\u2019s side on Saturday and Alexander Zverev<\/a> on the men\u2019s side today.<\/p>\n Thanks for sticking with us, and stay tuned for the match report and more follow-up coverage from this year\u2019s Open.<\/p>\n Share<\/a><\/p>\n Alexander Zverev up next:<\/p>\n double quotation mark[To Ben Shelton]: If I had to bet all my money on it, I would bet that you would lift this trophy one day.<\/p>\n Entering this year, he was 0-3 in grand slam finals. He will finish the year a two-time grand slam champion and a possible world No 1.<\/p>\n double quotation mark[To his team]: I think 2026 is the outcome of all the years that happened before. Couldn\u2019t be here without you guys.<\/p>\n He gives a shoutout to his mother, who supported him through his type 1 diabetes diagnosis when he was a child and it seemed unlikely he would be able to pursue a future in sports.<\/p>\n double quotation markIt takes an unbelievably strong woman to do what she did, so thanks to her as well.<\/p>\n Alexander Zverev holds his trophy. Photograph: Robert Deutsch\/IMAGN IMAGES\/Reuters<\/p>\n He thanks the US Open tournament staff and apologizes for keeping everyone until 4am to 5am with his late-night finishes in the early rounds.<\/p>\n double quotation markI was two points away from losing in the first round, so I\u2019m very thankful I didn\u2019t lose that match.<\/p>\n double quotation markI know that tonight 99.9% of the people wanted Ben to win, so I\u2019m very sorry. But second, it was an incredible atmosphere to play in. \u2026 You guys brought the energy and brought the noise, and we really thank you guys for that.<\/p>\n Share<\/a><\/p>\n Updated at\u00a018.31 EDT<\/p>\n Ben Shelton up first. He didn\u2019t get the result he wanted today, but the fight in the third set showed the caliber of player he is and the talent he has at this level.<\/p>\n double quotation markFirst and most importantly I want to take God. My successes are a gift, my failures are a gift, and most importantly playing in front of all of you is a gift.<\/p>\n double quotation markSascha, congrats on these two weeks. \u2026 You are one of the very best players in the world. Maybe the best player in the world this year. \u2026 You work harder than anyone I know, you put more hours on the court than anyone I know. Sincerely happy for you guys to hold this title.<\/p>\n double quotation markTo do this with my family by my side, these four guys over here who dedicate their life to my career, spend time travelling the world with me, it\u2019s an unnatural commitment. I appreciate you guys.<\/p>\n double quotation markThis is my happy place, and I wish this tournament never ended. Thank you all.<\/p>\n Share<\/a><\/p>\n Updated at\u00a018.24 EDT<\/p>\n Alexander Zverev finishes with nine aces, 35 winners and 68 for 80 (85%) of his first-serve points won. His breaks in key moments \u2013 the opening of the final and the opening of the fourth set after Ben Shelton picked up steam in the third \u2013 were critical. He\u2019ll receive his trophy from five-time US Open champion Jimmy Connors.<\/p>\n Share<\/a><\/p>\n Updated at\u00a018.09 EDT<\/p>\n Alexander Zverev didn\u2019t appear to realize that championship point was, well, championship point. He finished the final point, almost looking as if he was ready for the next point, and then went over to his box in a subdued manner before his coaches gestured to him that he was the winner.<\/p>\n Share<\/a><\/p>\n Updated at\u00a017.58 EDT<\/p>\n Alexander Zverev wins the US Open<\/p>\n Final: Zverev 6-3, 7-6 (2), 5-7, 6-2 Shelton <\/p>\n After double-faulting, Zverev runs off the match\u2019s final three points, and the top-seeded German follows up his Roland Garros title earlier this year with the championship in New York. It is his second major win.<\/p>\n He holds off No 8 seed Ben Shelton, who was seeking to become the first American man to win the US Open title since 2003. Shelton threatened a comeback by winning the third set, but Zverev broke him back twice in the decisive fourth set.<\/p>\n Share<\/a><\/p>\n Fourth set: *Zverev 6-3, 7-6 (2), 5-7, 5-2 Shelton (*next server) <\/p>\n Shelton had played clean tennis for much of the past two sets, but a few misfires in this game may have swung this match out of his reach. He opens strong with an ace, but then has unforced errors after big 135mph serves on back-to-back points. Zverev breaks and will serve for the championship.<\/p>\n Share<\/a><\/p>\n Fourth set: Zverev 6-3, 7-6 (2), 5-7, 4-2 *Shelton (*next server)<\/p>\n More impressive net work from both players. Zverev sets up 40-0 by catching Shelton at the net and sending a passing two-handed volley into the court behind him. The German holds, and Shelton will have to hold here to stay alive.<\/p>\n Share<\/a><\/p>\n Fourth set: *Zverev 6-3, 7-6 (2), 5-7, 3-2 Shelton (*next server) <\/p>\n Shelton puts his athleticism on display to hold in the fifth game. He pulls out one of his fastest serves of the match, whistling one at 144mph at 40-0. (Not too shabby for three hours in.) He works the baseline at 40-15 and gets a 72mph forehand winner that kisses the line. The American is still alive here, but will need another break like he found at the end of the third set.<\/p>\n Share<\/a><\/p>\n Fourth set: Zverev 6-3, 7-6 (2), 5-7, 3-1 *Shelton (*next server)<\/p>\n Zverev continues to make Shelton run along the baseline and play long rallies. Shelton has improved in those situations since the match started \u2013 certainly since he started being more aggressive with his shot-making in the third set \u2013 and he wins a 16-shot rally at 30-0 with a lovely 82mph backhand. At 30-30, chair umpire Marijana Veljovic gives Zverev his first time violation warning of the match. (Excessive ball-bouncing or waiting for the Arthur Ashe crowd to quiet? Maybe a bit of both?) Zverev wins the game with a strong crosscourt backhand and leads this set 3-1.<\/p>\n Alexander Zverev speaks with chair umpire Marijana Veljovic. Photograph: Mike Segar\/ReutersShare<\/a><\/p>\n Updated at\u00a017.37 EDT<\/p>\n Fourth set: *Zverev 6-3, 7-6 (2), 5-7, 2-1 Shelton (*next server)<\/p>\n Zverev pounces on Shelton early in this game, targeting him for weak returns and errors. Shelton climbs back from an 0-30 hole and uses his fifth overhead winner of the match to go up 40-30, then wins the game with a strong serve-and-volley. He\u2019s still in it.<\/p>\n Share<\/a><\/p>\n Fourth set: Zverev 6-3, 7-6 (2), 5-7, 2-0 *Shelton (*next server)<\/p>\n This match has hit the three-hour mark, and Zverev holds his first service game with a sliding backhand volley winner. The German showed composure in these first two games that had been missing at the end of the third set.<\/p>\n Share<\/a><\/p>\n Fourth set: *Zverev 6-3, 7-6 (2), 5-7, 1-0 Shelton (*next server)<\/p>\n To start the fourth set, Zverev counters and creates break point. Shelton saves it to force deuce. The 24-shot ad-point rally \u2013 the longest of this match \u2013 sends Shelton all over the court, from across the baseline up to the net and then back to the baseline before his backhand misfires. Shelton double-faulted early in the game, a blow after the momentum he\u2019d created at the end of the third set.<\/p>\n Share<\/a>Shelton wins the third set!<\/p>\n Third set: *Zverev 6-3, 7-6 (2), 5-7 Shelton (*next server)<\/p>\n Shelton finally gets his break. Zverev goes down 0-40 from a mix of his misses and Shelton\u2019s winners, giving Shelton triple set point. His first attempt lands long of the baseline, but at 15-40, Zverev\u2019s volley lands in the alley.<\/p>\n That third set was the best Shelton has played this match. He cleaned up the errors, steadied his serve and made some aggressive shots from the baseline when Zverev wasn\u2019t threatening. His six holds kept him alive, and he found the long-awaited breakthrough in the final game to snap Zverev\u2019s streak of continuous holds at 66.<\/p>\n Can he work more magic in the fourth set?<\/p>\n Ben Shelton. Photograph: Robert Deutsch\/IMAGN IMAGES\/ReutersShare<\/a><\/p>\n Third set: *Zverev 6-3, 7-6 (2), 5-6 Shelton (*next server)<\/p>\n Shelton continues to dominate his service points in this third set \u2013 he has won 23 of his past 24. Zverev doesn\u2019t leave his baseline when Shelton hits a drop shot over the net at 30-0, and the American wins the game. Zverev will serve to force a tiebreak.<\/p>\n Share<\/a><\/p>\n Third set: Zverev 6-3, 7-6 (2), 5-5 *Shelton (*next server)<\/p>\n At 0-15, Shelton gets just his third backhand winner of the match \u2013 a shot he might not have hit so cleanly earlier but that works for him at this point. He gets another opening during a long rally at 15-15, but he sends a forehand down the alley. Zverev holds with a service winner.<\/p>\n Share<\/a><\/p>\n Third set: *Zverev 6-3, 7-6 (2), 4-5 Shelton (*next server)<\/p>\n Shelton goes up 40-0 with a nice bit of net play and holds at love. The third set is the best he has looked so far in this match, with his winners finally out-pacing his errors, but he\u2019ll need the breakthrough against Zverev\u2019s serve at some point.<\/p>\n Share<\/a><\/p>\n Third set: Zverev 6-3, 7-6 (2), 4-4 *Shelton (*next server)<\/p>\n Shelton draws on some aggressive forehands during an 18-shot rally to win the first point of this game, but Zverev quickly counters with an overhead winner on the next point. In one of the best points of this match, Zverev fires a remarkable passing shot down the line in a 19-shot rally. Shelton lunges for it in the service court and ends up falling on his stomach. Some good fight from the American in that game, but Zverev is not yielding yet.<\/p>\n Ben Shelton fighting for every point. Photograph: Al Bello\/Getty ImagesShare<\/a><\/p>\n Updated at\u00a017.03 EDT<\/p>\n Third set: *Zverev 6-3, 7-6 (2), 3-4 Shelton (*next server)<\/p>\n Shelton\u2019s service games are flying by in this third set. Entering this game, they had lasted an average of 96 seconds. Shelton lobs a winner over the 6ft 6in Zverev during a 19-shot rally at 15-0 and proceeds to hold again. He has won 14 of his last 15 service points. He\u2019ll wish he could do that sixth game over and come through on the break point, but he\u2019ll have another chance to fight for one in this next game.<\/p>\n Share<\/a><\/p>\n Third set: Zverev 6-3, 7-6 (2), 3-3 *Shelton (*next server)<\/p>\n Three Zverev misses in a row give Shelton his first chance of the entire match to break serve, and the Arthur Ashe crowd wakes up a bit. But Zverev responds with urgency and a quick backhand winner to send the game to deuce. He wins the next two points quickly and the set is even at three games all.<\/p>\n Share<\/a><\/p>\n Third set: *Zverev 6-3, 7-6 (2), 2-3 Shelton (*next server)<\/p>\n Shelton opens the fifth game of this set with a nice overhead winner and comfortably holds.<\/p>\n Ben Shelton. Photograph: Kirsty Wigglesworth\/APShare<\/a><\/p>\n Updated at\u00a016.33 EDT<\/p>\n Third set: Zverev 6-3, 7-6 (2), 2-2 *Shelton (*next server)<\/p>\n Two aces and a service winner, and Zverev holds at love in the fourth game.<\/p>\n Share<\/a><\/p>\n Updated at\u00a016.31 EDT<\/p>\n Third set: *Zverev 6-3, 7-6 (2), 1-2 Shelton (*next server)<\/p>\n Shelton holds at love for the fifth time. Zverev still isn\u2019t giving Shelton much pressure on his serve, so it will be up to the American to start playing more aggressive in his return games and swing the momentum of this match.<\/p>\n Share<\/a><\/p>\n Updated at\u00a016.32 EDT<\/p>\n Third set: Zverev 6-3, 7-6 (2), 1-1 *Shelton (*next server)<\/p>\n Shelton pushes Zverev to 30-30, but the German\u2019s serve continues to give him trouble. Zverev has won a whopping 43 of his 48 (90%) first-serve points. Shelton broke Carlos Alcaraz four times in a row in their quarter-final, but he has yet to create even one break-point opportunity here.<\/p>\n Share<\/a><\/p>\n Updated at\u00a016.32 EDT<\/p>\n Third set: *Zverev 6-3, 7-6 (2), 0-1 Shelton (*next server)<\/p>\n Shelton holds in his first service game as this match hits the two-hour mark.<\/p>\n Share<\/a><\/p>\n Updated at\u00a016.32 EDT<\/p>\n Alexander Zverev is 85-3 after winning the first two sets at majors. He is 17-1 at the US Open, with the lone loss coming in the 2020 final against Dominic Thiem.<\/p>\n Ben Shelton is 0-9 at grand slams after losing the first two sets.<\/p>\n Share<\/a>Zverev wins the second set in a tiebreak<\/p>\n Second set tiebreak: Zverev 7-2 Shelton<\/p>\n Zverev 6-3, 7-6 (2) *Shelton (*next server)<\/p>\n Shelton sends a backhand into the doubles alley to give Zverev set point, and then he nets the 139mph serve to end the set. Shelton showed some of his best fight yet to force the tiebreak, but the unforced errors (29) and the inability to counter Zverev\u2019s serve have hurt him. He has yet to create a break point in this match, and he lost every point during the tiebreak on Zverev\u2019s serve.<\/p>\n Shelton has never come back from a two-sets-to-love deficit at a major.<\/p>\n Alexander Zverev reacts as he wins the second set. Photograph: Kirsty Wigglesworth\/APShare<\/a><\/p>\n Updated at\u00a016.32 EDT<\/p>\n Second set tiebreak: *Zverev 5-2 Shelton (*next server)<\/p>\n Zverev 6-3, 6-6 Shelton<\/p>\n Shelton gets his first points of the tiebreak when Zverev skies his return long and then nets a shot.<\/p>\n Share<\/a><\/p>\n Updated at\u00a016.32 EDT<\/p>\n Second set tiebreak: Zverev 5-0 *Shelton (*next server)<\/p>\n Zverev 6-3, 6-6 Shelton<\/p>\n Shelton nets a 147mph (!) serve by Zverev. He can\u2019t handle the next serve either (at 124mph) and just like that Zverev has a 5-0 advantage in the tiebreak.<\/p>\n Share<\/a><\/p>\n Updated at\u00a016.32 EDT<\/p>\n Second set tiebreak: *Zverev 3-0 Shelton (*next server)<\/p>\n Zverev 6-3, 6-6 Shelton<\/p>\n Shelton wanted an ace on his first serve of the tiebreak, but the chair umpire called it a let. Zverev instead catches Shelton at the net with a winner behind him to go up 2-0, and then goes to the net himself for a short backhand winner for 3-0.<\/p>\n Share<\/a><\/p>\n Updated at\u00a016.32 EDT<\/p>\n Second set tiebreak: Zverev 1-0 *Shelton (*next server)<\/p>\n Zverev 6-3, 6-6 Shelton<\/p>\n Zverev wins the first point of the tiebreak.<\/p>\n Share<\/a><\/p>\n Updated at\u00a016.32 EDT<\/p>\n Second set: *Zverev 6-3, 6-6 Shelton (*next server)<\/p>\n Shelton wins a 19-shot rally to keep from going down 0-40 and giving Zverev triple set point, then claws back to 30-30. His net play continues to keep him in this match, and several nice volleys help him win the game and send this second set to a tiebreak.<\/p>\n Share<\/a><\/p>\n Second set: Zverev 6-3, 6-5 *Shelton (*next server)<\/p>\n Shelton opens this game with a great point, but he hits a volley frustratingly long. Zverev\u2019s forehand winner narrowly catches the line to go up 30-0, and his sixth ace of the match gives him his 61st consecutive hold against Shelton. The American will attempt to force a tiebreak.<\/p>\n Share<\/a><\/p>\n Second set: *Zverev 6-3, 5-5 Shelton (*next server)<\/p>\n Zverev put some pressure on Shelton\u2019s serve in this game, looking for a break to go up two sets to love, but Shelton holds. He gets a winner at the net (his ninth of 10 net points won) in a flash of pressure and aggressive shot-making that he\u2019ll need more of if he wants to win this match.<\/p>\n Share<\/a><\/p>\n Second set: Zverev 6-3, 5-4 *Shelton (*next server)<\/p>\n Zverev\u2019s energy has fluctuated in the second set. He starts this ninth game with a double-fault but follows right away with a 135mph ace. He gets another ace at 129mph and calmly wins the game. Shelton is looking a bit frustrated with Zverev\u2019s lengthy service routine \u2013 during this game, he was flipping his racket in the air as Zverev bounced the ball, waiting to get in his ready position.<\/p>\n