Archive · 14 Sep 2026
Alexander Zverev Wins US Open After Missing Match Point
Alexander Zverev won the US Open tennis final against Ben Shelton.
Shelton’s last forehand went outside the court, giving Zverev the winning point.
Zverev was concentrating so hard that he did not realize the match was over.
He walked back toward the baseline as if another point would be played.
The crowd and his team helped him understand that he had won.
Zverev then looked around and celebrated with both arms raised.
He said he did not hear the umpire because he was in a focused “tunnel.”
This was his first US Open title and his second major championship of 2026.
Alexander Zverev defeated Ben Shelton 6-3, 7-6 (7/2), 5-7, 6-2 in the 2026 US Open final.
Shelton’s forehand sailed wide on match point, but Zverev initially appeared unaware that the match had ended.
Zverev walked toward the baseline as if preparing to receive another serve before checking the situation.
He said he was so focused that he did not hear the umpire announce, “Game, set, match,” and had forgotten the score.
The victory was Zverev’s first US Open title, second Grand Slam of 2026 and second major overall.
- Who
- Alexander Zverev defeated 23-year-old American Ben Shelton.
- What
- Zverev won the 2026 US Open men’s singles title in four sets.
- When
- The final was played on September 13, 2026, with reports published September 14, 2026.
- Where
- The match was played at Arthur Ashe Stadium during the US Open.
- Why
- Zverev won when Shelton’s forehand went wide on match point, earning Zverev his first US Open championship.
- Final score
- Alexander Zverev defeated Ben Shelton 6-3, 7-6 (7/2), 5-7, 6-2.
- Tournament
- 2026 US Open men’s singles final
- Zverev’s achievement
- First US Open title and second major championship overall
- 2026 Grand Slam titles
- Two, including the French Open and US Open
- Unusual reaction
- Zverev initially walked toward the baseline as though another point would be played.
- Zverev’s explanation
- He said he was in a focused zone, could not hear the umpire and had forgotten the score.
- Previous setback
- Zverev lost the 2020 US Open final to Dominic Thiem after leading by two sets.
