Archive · 12 Sep 2026
Zverev, Shelton Reach Historic US Open 2026 Final
Alexander Zverev and Ben Shelton won their US Open semifinal matches.
Zverev beat Karen Khachanov.
Shelton beat Frances Tiafoe in an upset.
Their victories created a final between the two players.
The match could be historic because Shelton is a very strong challenge for Zverev.
Zverev has had an easier path through the Grand Slam tournaments this year.
He did not play a top-10 opponent during his French Open victory.
Shelton will be his first top-10 opponent at this US Open.
Alexander Zverev defeated Karen Khachanov to advance at the 2026 US Open.
Ben Shelton upset Frances Tiafoe to reach the final.
The results set up a potentially historic final between Zverev and Shelton.
Shelton will be Zverev’s first top-10 opponent at the 2026 US Open.
Zverev won the French Open without facing a top-10 player and lost to Jannik Sinner in the Wimbledon final.
- Who
- Alexander Zverev, Ben Shelton, Karen Khachanov, Frances Tiafoe, and other players mentioned in Zverev’s 2026 Grand Slam path.
- What
- Zverev and Shelton advanced to the 2026 US Open final after defeating Khachanov and Tiafoe, respectively.
- When
- At the 2026 US Open; the article also references Zverev’s French Open and Wimbledon campaigns earlier in the year.
- Where
- The US Open, with comparisons to matches at the French Open and Wimbledon.
- Why
- Their semifinal victories sent Zverev and Shelton into the final.
- Event
- 2026 US Open men’s final
- Finalists
- Alexander Zverev and Ben Shelton
- Zverev’s semifinal opponent
- Karen Khachanov
- Shelton’s semifinal opponent
- Frances Tiafoe
- Zverev’s French Open result
- He won without facing a top-10 player.
- Zverev’s Wimbledon result
- He faced Taylor Fritz in the quarterfinal and lost to Jannik Sinner in the final.
- Top-10 matchup
- Shelton is described as Zverev’s first top-10 opponent at the 2026 US Open.