Key Takeaways
- Ben Shelton must seize early control of rallies with his varied lefty serve and avoid feeding Alexander Zverev’s elite backhand.
- Alexander Zverev needs to lengthen exchanges and limit Shelton’s serve-plus-one patterns by maintaining court positioning on return.
- Zverev carries major final experience into Arthur Ashe Stadium, while Shelton must handle the expectations of 24,000 home fans.
A compelling clash of styles in New York
Following the top-tier women’s showdown between Aryna Sabalenka and Elena Rybakina, the men’s draw at the 2026 US Open concludes with what shapes up as the best possible finale based on form. Alexander Zverev and Ben Shelton reached Sunday’s championship match through markedly different paths that directly mirror their contrasting tactical identities.
Zverev advanced with his trademark solidity, displaying relentless consistency at the highest level. Shelton, meanwhile, captivated the Arthur Ashe Stadium crowd with explosive tennis, highlighted by a dominant quarter-final triumph against Carlos Alcaraz. The matchup sets the sport’s most in-form attacker against its premier counterpuncher, creating a classical stylistic duel rarely seen in modern baseline tennis.
Keys to victory for Ben Shelton
Shelton must seize the initiative immediately and shorten rallies at every opportunity. His primary weapon remains a versatile serve that offers far more than raw power; his heavy kick and sharp slice out wide create angles that make clean returning exceptionally difficult from deep positions.
Opponents face major trouble if they allow Shelton’s left-handed deliveries to develop action after the bounce, a danger Alcaraz attempted to counter by standing directly on the baseline. Shelton needs to disrupt Zverev’s rhythm by taking balls on the rise, mixing up tempos, and advancing to the net judiciously. He must also avoid overusing his crosscourt forehand, which feeds directly into Zverev’s formidable two-handed backhand—widely regarded alongside Jannik Sinner’s as the standard on tour. Navigating the occasion in front of 24,000 supportive fans will serve as the American’s greatest emotional test.
How Alexander Zverev can control the final
For Zverev, the primary objective is neutralizing Shelton’s physical explosiveness and forcing the home favorite into low-percentage risks. The German cannot afford to let points turn into rapid-fire exchanges where Shelton thrives through his potent serve-plus-one forehand combinations.
Service and return placement will prove vital. Zverev must serve cleanly to push Shelton back and avoid dropping too far behind the baseline on return, where he would become vulnerable to Shelton’s serve-and-volley attacks. In extended rallies, Zverev’s steady baseline wall neutralizes power and shifts the dynamic into his comfort zone. Furthermore, giving Shelton extra time between shots may heighten the pressure of a debut major final, whereas Zverev brings extensive Grand Slam final experience and the confidence of having previously conquered his major title hurdle in Paris.
ATP U.S. Open - Alexander Zverev's projected path
Zverev at the U.S. Open, ranking, and results in 2026
Ranked no.2 (career-high), Alexander has a compiled 52-13 win-loss record in 2026. Zverev is now competing at the U.S. Open where he managed to beat the world no.89 Lorenzo Sonego 6-4 3-6 6-7(7) 7-5 6-4, the world no.52 Quentin Halys 6-4 4-6 7-6(3) 6-7(3) 6-3, the world no.28 Alejandro Tabilo 6-2 7-6(2) 6-2, the world no.22 Luciano Darderi 6-2 6-2 7-6(3), the world no.70 Botic Van De Zandschulp 6-2 7-5 6-1 and the world no.50 Karen Khachanov 6-3 7-6(7) 7-6.
Alexander Zverev will face the world no.9 Ben Shelton in the final on Sunday at 2:00 pm on Arthur Ahse Stadium. Their actual record is 5-0 for Zverev.
Alexander clinched 1 title in 2026 at the French Open.
Alexander won 26 titles in his career: 8 on hard courts, 10 on clay courts and 8 on indoor courts. (See the list of his titles)
