Archive · 13 Sep 2026
Zverev Threatens Shelton’s American Dream in US Open Final
Alexander Zverev and Ben Shelton will play each other in the US Open men’s singles final.
Zverev is from Germany, while Shelton is from the United States.
Zverev beat Karen Khachanov without losing a set in the semifinal.
Shelton came back to beat Frances Tiafoe in four sets.
This is Shelton’s first Grand Slam final.
He hopes to end America’s wait for a men’s singles Grand Slam champion, which has lasted since Andy Roddick won in 2003.
Shelton also wants to make history connected to Arthur Ashe and African American tennis players.
Zverev has beaten Shelton in all five of their previous matches.
Shelton says he will embrace the pressure and give everything he has in front of the home crowd.
Alexander Zverev defeated Karen Khachanov in straight sets to reach the US Open final.
Ben Shelton beat Frances Tiafoe in four sets and will play his first Grand Slam final.
Shelton is seeking America’s first men’s singles Grand Slam title since Andy Roddick won in 2003.
Shelton is also pursuing a historic victory as the first African American man to win the US Open since Arthur Ashe in 1968.
Zverev leads Shelton 5-0 and will face him in the final on Sunday, September 13, at 11:30 p.m. IST.
- Who
- Alexander Zverev of Germany and Ben Shelton of the United States, the two US Open men’s singles finalists.
- What
- Zverev beat Karen Khachanov and Shelton beat Frances Tiafoe to reach the final.
- When
- The semifinals were played Friday; the final is scheduled for Sunday, September 13, at 11:30 p.m. IST.
- Where
- The final will be played at the US Open, with Shelton expecting support from the Arthur Ashe Stadium crowd.
- Why
- Zverev is seeking another major title, while Shelton is pursuing his first Grand Slam championship and a historic American victory.
Alexander Zverev’s Case
Ben Shelton’s Case
Experience versus first final
Alexander Zverev’s Case
Zverev has already played two major finals and won the French Open, giving him championship-match experience.
Ben Shelton’s Case
Shelton is playing his first Grand Slam final but says he will embrace the nerves and enjoy the opportunity.
Head-to-head versus momentum
Alexander Zverev’s Case
Zverev has beaten Shelton in all five of their meetings and has won four consecutive matches without dropping a set.
Ben Shelton’s Case
Shelton has built momentum by defeating defending champion Carlos Alcaraz and coming back against Tiafoe after losing the opening set.
Stopping or completing the American dream
Alexander Zverev’s Case
Zverev said he hopes not to let the American dream come true and wants to win another major title.
Ben Shelton’s Case
Shelton wants to use the New York crowd and American support to win his first Grand Slam title and end the United States’ 23-year wait.
- Finalists
- Alexander Zverev and Ben Shelton
- Zverev’s semifinal
- Defeated Karen Khachanov 6-3, 7-6(7), 7-6(6)
- Shelton’s semifinal
- Defeated Frances Tiafoe 4-6, 6-3, 6-3, 7-5
- Head-to-head record
- Zverev leads Shelton 5-0
- Final schedule
- Sunday, September 13, at 11:30 p.m. IST
- United States’ wait
- Andy Roddick was the last American man to win a men’s singles Grand Slam title, in 2003
- Shelton’s historic target
- He is seeking to become the first African American man to win the US Open since Arthur Ashe in 1968
- Late quarterfinal finish
- Shelton’s win over defending champion Carlos Alcaraz ended at 3:33 a.m., the latest finish in US Open history
