Updated 1w+ ago · Sports
Zverev Wins US Open as US Men's Drought Extends
Ben Shelton plays Alexander Zverev for the 2026 US Open men's title Sunday in New York. No American man has won a Grand Slam since Andy Roddick in 2003.
- Shelton is 0-5 against Zverev, winning just one set in five matches.
- Shelton beat defending champion Carlos Alcaraz in a quarterfinal ending at 3:33 a.m. — the latest finish in US Open history.
- Zverev is 24-2 in Grand Slam matches in 2026 and won the French Open in June.
- A Shelton title would make him the first American Black man to win the US Open since Arthur Ashe in 1968.
Why it matters: The stakes extend beyond one player. A Shelton win would end the longest drought in American men's Grand Slam history and carry historical weight for representation in the sport.
- Zverev could become the first player to win two first-time majors in the same year since Jannik Sinner in 2024.
- NBA Finals MVP Jalen Brunson and actor Ben Stiller were spotted in the stands for Shelton's semifinal. Brunson told Shelton he would return for the final.
How 38 sources split on this story
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38 sources · 102 articles · 42% Center coverage
Center coverage, 16 sources: The center presents the matchup through head-to-head stats and tournament context, letting the numbers carry the weight of the story.
WPXI Pittsburgh1w+Shelton aims to end an American drought and win his first major title in the US Open final vs ZverevHeavy1w+Alexander Zverev Sends Heartfelt Note to His Mom After US Open WinReuters1w+Rodman makes late entrance but Shelton's lucky charm misses markAssociated Press1w+Trinity Rodman makes it from her soccer game to watch boyfriend Ben Shelton in the US Open finalUSA Today1w+Trinity Rodman makes it to US Open final to support Ben Shelton after allESPN1w+Zverev claims the US Open title amid a chaotic tournament -- and seasonWSB-TV Atlanta1w+U.S. Open: Ben Shelton finishes runner-up in first major championship matchBBC News1w+US Open 2026 results: Alexander Zverev beats Ben Shelton for second Grand Slam titleJapan Times1w+Grand Slam drought for U.S. men reaches 23rd year after Ben Shelton falls at U.S. OpenCNET1w+US Open 2026 Men's Singles Final: How to Watch Ben Shelton vs. Alexander Zverev - CNETCTV News1w+Alexander Zverev beats Ben Shelton to win the U.S. Open title and extend a drought by American menDeutsche Welle1w+Germany's Alexander Zverev wins US OpenForbes1w+American Drought Stands At 23 Years As Alexander Zverev Tops Ben Shelton In U.S. Open FinalFrance 241w+Zverev beats Shelton to win US Open 2026 and second Grand Slam titlePennLive1w+Where to watch Shelton vs. Zverev US Open men’s final today on free streams, TVWFLA News Channel 81w+Ben Shelton beats Frances Tiafoe and will play Alexander Zverev for the US Open title
Left coverage, 13 sources: The left frames the match primarily through its historical and cultural significance — the potential end of an American drought and the racial milestone Shelton would represent.
The Boston Globe1w+American men drought at US Open continues as Zverev beats SheltonThe Independent1w+Alexander Zverev fails to realise he had won the US Open in bizarre momentAl Jazeera1w+Zverev defeats Shelton in four sets to win his first US Open titleCNN1w+Ben Shelton isn’t the men’s American tennis hero – yetThe Atlanta Journal-Constitution1w+Alexander Zverev wins US Open title, ending Atlanta native Ben Shelton’s runThe Guardian1w+Alexander Zverev claims first US Open after four-set battle with Ben SheltonCBS News1w+Alexander Zverev wins U.S. Open, beating Ben Shelton to secure second major titleCleveland.com1w+How to watch Shelton vs. Zverev US Open men’s final free todayNBC News1w+Alexander Zverev overtakes Ben Shelton to win U.S. Open finalRolling Stone1w+Shelton vs. Zverev Livestream: How to Watch the U.S. Open Men’s Tennis Final Online FreeThe New Yorker1w+Ben Shelton Comes Into Full FocusThe Root1w+Ben Shelton Follows Arthur Ashe to US Open FinalTime1w+At the U.S. Open, Ben Shelton Has America Believing Again
Right coverage, 9 sources: The right leads with viewer utility — how to watch for free — then frames the historical stakes as a backdrop to the broadcast logistics.
New York Post1w+Alexander Zverev takes veiled shot at Ben Shelton's girlfriend, Trinity Rodman at US OpenDaily Mail1w+Ben Shelton calls for major rule change over controversial Alexander Zverev habit after US Open heartbreakThe Epoch Times1w+Alexander Zverev Beats Ben Shelton to Win US Open TitleNTD1w+Alexander Zverev Beats Ben Shelton to Win US Open TitleCitizen Free Press1w+Ben Shelton could be first American to win U.S. Open in 23 years.Fox News1w+Ben Shelton loses in US Open final to Zverev, but America has found its next big men's tennis starNewsmax1w+Alexander Zverev Beats Ben Shelton to Win US OpenThe Sun1w+Alexander Zverev beats home favourite Ben Shelton to win biggest ever US Open jackpot and take home second Grand SlamThe Washington Times1w+Alexander Zverev beats Ben Shelton for U.S. Open title, extending drought by American men
What’s next: The match airs live on ABC at 2 p.m. ET. Streaming options include DirecTV, Fubo, and Sling.
- Shelton said he is "the most confident I've ever been" heading into Sunday's final.
- Whether Shelton's serve-driven game and improved rally play can overcome a 5-0 head-to-head deficit against Zverev in a Grand Slam setting.
- Whether Zverev, who lost a two-set lead in the 2020 US Open final, can convert a second final appearance into his second major title.
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