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 36 sources split on this story

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.