Image Source: The Guardian
Zverev has taken an early advantage over Ben Shelton in the 2026 US Open men’s final, winning the opening set 6-3 as the championship match continues at Arthur Ashe Stadium.
The German top seed broke Shelton in the opening game and maintained his advantage through a tense first set. The latest score stands at Zverev 6-3, 3-3 Shelton in the second set, with both players battling to control the baseline and protect their serves.
Zverev Seizes Early Control in US Open Final
Zverev began the match with the greater composure. He immediately pressured Shelton’s serve, forcing the American into difficult exchanges before benefiting from a double fault on break point. Shelton had opened with a huge 141mph ace, but his second serve quickly became a target.
The 29-year-old German then settled into a familiar rhythm, using his powerful two-handed backhand and deep returns to extend rallies. He also produced several explosive serves, including a 137mph ace, while showing greater consistency during the longer points.
Shelton recovered after the early setback and adjusted the pace of his delivery. Rather than relying only on maximum power, the American mixed serves ranging from 100mph to more than 120mph. That change helped him hold comfortably in the middle stages of the opening set.
However, Zverev continued to apply pressure. Shelton struggled to reproduce the sharp baseline tennis that carried him past Carlos Alcaraz and Frances Tiafoe earlier in the tournament. A series of errors into the net gave Zverev opportunities, and another double fault helped the German close out the set.
Second Set Remains Tightly Balanced
Shelton started the second set with renewed energy. He saved a break-point opportunity in the third game and held after a spirited exchange at deuce, earning a loud response from the New York crowd. His fifth ace and a clean backhand winner later helped him hold at love and level the set at 3-3.
Zverev, though, has looked increasingly comfortable. He held at love in the fifth game, finishing with the advantage in the extended rallies. Match statistics showed him winning almost all of the points that lasted 10 shots or longer, a sign that his baseline strategy was working.
The German also improved his first-serve percentage as the set progressed. Shelton continued to look for chances against Zverev’s second delivery, but he had yet to create a break-point opportunity in the match. The pressure remains significant because Zverev has held more than 50 consecutive service games against Shelton across their previous meetings.
Historic Stakes for Ben Shelton
For Shelton, this is the biggest match of his career. The 23-year-old American is appearing in his first Grand Slam final after a remarkable run through the draw.
- He defeated Carlos Alcaraz in a five-set quarter-final that finished at 3:33am, the latest ending in tournament history.
- He overcame Frances Tiafoe in four sets to reach the championship match.
- He is the first Black American man to reach the US Open singles final since Arthur Ashe in 1972.
- He could become the first American man to win the US Open since Andy Roddick in 2003.
Shelton entered the final with a 7-2 record in championship matches and had won all four finals he played this season. He also arrived with tremendous confidence after defeating opponents he had never previously beaten.
“Problem-solving has been the name of the game here,” Shelton said before the match, emphasizing his belief that he could find answers against Zverev despite a difficult head-to-head record.
Zverev Chases a Second Major Championship
Zverev is competing in his fifth Grand Slam final and his third major final of the year. He won his first major title at Roland Garros in June and finished runner-up at Wimbledon.
This is his first US Open final since 2020, when he lost to Dominic Thiem in a five-set contest played at an empty Arthur Ashe Stadium during the coronavirus pandemic. This time, Zverev is competing before a packed crowd and has looked much more experienced in the biggest moments.
The German also owns a commanding 5-0 record against Shelton. He has won 10 of their 11 previous sets, although Shelton believes a Grand Slam final presents a different challenge from their earlier meetings.
What Happens Next?
The second set remains finely poised at 3-3. Shelton needs to find a way to disrupt Zverev’s service rhythm, while Zverev will try to keep extending rallies and attacking the American’s second serve.
A second-set breakthrough could decide the direction of the final. With history within reach for Shelton and another major title in sight for Zverev, the match has already delivered a compelling clash between power, patience and pressure.
Who is leading the US Open final?
Zverev leads Ben Shelton 6-3, 3-3 in the second set, according to the latest live match update.
What is at stake for Ben Shelton?
Shelton is attempting to become the first American man to win the US Open since Andy Roddick in 2003. He could also become the first Black American man to win the event since Arthur Ashe in 1968.
What is Zverev’s record against Shelton?
Zverev entered the final with a 5-0 record against Shelton and had won 10 of their previous 11 sets.
How many Grand Slam finals has Zverev reached?
The 2026 US Open final is Zverev’s fifth Grand Slam championship match. He won his first major title at Roland Garros earlier this year.
