Archive · 13 Sep 2026
Shelton Seeks First US Open Title Against Zverev
Ben Shelton is an American tennis player playing in his first major final.
He will face Alexander Zverev in the US Open final on Sunday.
Shelton hopes to win the tournament for the first time.
An American man has not won a major tennis tournament since Andy Roddick in 2003.
Shelton could also become the first Black American man to win the US Open since Arthur Ashe in 1968.
He reached the final by beating Carlos Alcaraz and Frances Tiafoe.
Zverev has beaten Shelton in all five of their earlier matches.
Zverev also has more experience in major finals and recently won the French Open.
The match will be played before a crowd expected to strongly support Shelton.
Ben Shelton will face top seed Alexander Zverev in his first Grand Slam final.
Shelton is seeking to end the United States men's major-title drought dating to Andy Roddick's 2003 US Open victory.
A win would make Shelton the first Black American man to win the US Open since Arthur Ashe in 1968.
Shelton defeated Carlos Alcaraz and Frances Tiafoe to reach the final, including a record-late quarterfinal finish.
Zverev has won all five previous meetings with Shelton and enters after winning his first major at the French Open.
- Who
- Ben Shelton and top seed Alexander Zverev.
- What
- They will play the US Open men's singles final, with Shelton seeking his first Grand Slam title.
- When
- Sunday.
- Where
- Arthur Ashe Stadium in New York.
- Why
- Shelton is trying to end the United States men's major-title drought and make history as a Black American US Open champion.
Shelton's Case
Zverev's Case
Momentum
Shelton's Case
Shelton has reached his first major final after defeating Carlos Alcaraz and Frances Tiafoe, and says he is the most confident he has been in his game.
Zverev's Case
Zverev won his first major at the French Open and has won his last four matches in New York in straight sets.
Head-to-head record
Shelton's Case
Shelton's powerful serve, improved defense and stronger rallying have helped him make progress throughout the tournament.
Zverev's Case
Zverev has won all five previous meetings with Shelton and 10 of their 11 sets.
Experience and pressure
Shelton's Case
Shelton will have strong home support and is embracing the chance to end the long American men's drought.
Zverev's Case
Zverev has played multiple major finals and says his experience is different from when he lost the 2020 US Open final.
- Final matchup
- Ben Shelton vs. Alexander Zverev
- Shelton's ranking
- No. 8 seed
- Zverev's ranking
- Top seed
- Previous meetings
- Zverev leads Shelton 5-0 and has won 10 of their 11 sets.
- American men's drought
- The last American man to win a major was Andy Roddick at the 2003 US Open.
- Historical opportunity
- Shelton could become the first Black American man to win the US Open since Arthur Ashe in 1968.
- Zverev's 2026 record
- He is 24-2 in Grand Slam matches this season.
