In a thrilling U.S. Open final, Alexander Zverev secured his second major title, extending the drought for American men in Grand Slam victories. Zverev triumphed over Ben Shelton with a 6-3, 7-6 (2), 5-7, 6-2 win, disappointing fans hoping for an American male champion since 2003.
Zverev’s successful year in tennis included winning the French Open and claiming the U.S. Open title, redeeming his near-miss in 2020. As the top seed in a Grand Slam for the first time, he capitalized on Shelton’s early nerves, dominating the match with a remarkable tiebreaker and fending off Shelton’s comeback amid a supportive yet biased crowd.
Acknowledging the crowd’s preference for Shelton, Zverev expressed gratitude for the electric atmosphere but also acknowledged the fair support he received. Shelton aimed to break the American men’s title drought and become the first Black player to win the men’s crown since Arthur Ashe in 1968, but Zverev’s exceptional form this season proved too much to overcome.
Zverev’s major success this year, including his U.S. Open victory, reflects his resilience after the disappointment of 2020. With a stellar record in major matches and a substantial prize purse, Zverev’s journey to this triumph has been marked by hard work and determination.
Despite Shelton’s valiant efforts, he fell short in his quest to upset the top seeds and claim the title. The intense competition and the fervent crowd support highlighted the significance of this U.S. Open final, showcasing the talent and determination of both players on the court.