Alexander Zverev wins US Open men's singles, defeating Ben Shelton

Alexander Zverev captured the US Open men’s singles title on Sunday, defeating American teenager Ben Shelton in straight sets to claim his first Grand Slam triumph. The German, who lost a tightly contested final in 2020, displayed a markedly calmer demeanor throughout the match, maintaining a steady rhythm and limiting unforced errors. Zverev’s serve held at a 73 % first‑serve percentage, while he converted 9 of 12 break‑point opportunities, ultimately sealing the victory 6‑4, 6‑3, 6‑2. In the post‑match press conference, Zverev described his approach as “zen‑like,” noting that a focus on breathing and staying present helped him avoid the tension that had plagued his earlier finals appearances.

The win ends a six‑year wait for Zverev to secure a major title and marks a significant turnaround from his 2020 US Open loss, where he fell to Dominic Thiem after a grueling five‑set battle. His composure in the final reflected a broader shift in his preparation, with the player citing increased work with a sports psychologist and a revised training regimen aimed at mental resilience. Zverev’s triumph not only adds his name to the list of recent first‑time Grand Slam champions but also underscores the impact of psychological steadiness in elite tennis competition.