Key Takeaways
- Ben Shelton reached his maiden Grand Slam final at the 2026 US Open, where Alexander Zverev defeated him 6-3 7-6(2) 5-7 6-2.
- During his on-court speech, Shelton lauded Zverev, telling him, “You’re one of the very best players in the world, maybe the best player in the world this year.”
- Expressing deep gratitude to the tournament, his team, and New York fans, Shelton promised, “I’m just getting started and I’ll be back here again.”
Shelton praises champion Zverev after four-set battle
American star Ben Shelton showed immense gratitude and optimism during the trophy ceremony following his defeat in the men’s singles final of the 2026 US Open. Competing in his maiden major title match at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, Shelton fell to Alexander Zverev, who claimed the victory with a 6-3 7-6(2) 5-7 6-2 scoreline to capture his second Grand Slam title of the season.
Shelton opened his post-match speech by putting his journey into perspective. “First and most importantly, I want to thank God,” Shelton told the crowd. “My successes are a gift. The failures are a gift, and being here playing in front of you guys is a gift.”
He then directed heartfelt praise toward Zverev, commending the German’s performance throughout the New York fortnight. “Sascha, congrats on these 2 weeks, man. Your second Grand Slam title, two in 1 year,” Shelton said. “You’re one of the very best players in the world, maybe the best player in the world this year. What you’re doing is incredible, the way you’re serving, the way you’re moving and playing.”
Acknowledging the champion’s relentless work ethic, the 23-year-old added: “You work harder than anyone I know. You put more hours on the court than anyone I know. You and your team do things the right way, and sincerely happy for you guys to hold this title.”
Gratitude for team, staff and New York crowd
Turning toward his player box, Shelton gave credit to his inner circle and family for their unwavering dedication. “I want to thank my team. I got the best support team in the business,” he stated. “To do this with my family by my side. These four guys over here who dedicate their life to my career, spending time traveling the world with me. It’s an unmatched level of commitment. I appreciate you guys.”
He also made sure to recognize the tournament organizers and workers who make the Grand Slam event possible, highlighting newly appointed leadership as well as everyday staff members. “To USTA, you guys have done it again. Put together an amazing tournament, my favorite tournament of the year. The greatest tournament in the world,” Shelton expressed, before paying tribute to the support personnel: “All the volunteers, the drivers. My driver Xavier is up there somewhere. I appreciate you X. You’re the man. To the umpires, ball kids. Everyone at the practice desk, all the security guards who make me smile every day. This is my happy place.”
Closing his remarks, the American thanked the electric New York fans who cheered him on during late-night sessions throughout the two-week tournament. “To the city of New York, to the fans who showed up today, the fans at home, the people who’ve been here all week, the people who stayed till 4:00 in the morning,” Shelton concluded. “You guys drove me. You guys brought me to the place that I’m here today, the position that I want to be in in the finals of these tournaments. I’m just getting started and I’ll be back here again.”
Ben Shelton in 2026
Now the world no.9, Ben played his last match on the 13th of September when he capitulated to world no.2 Alexander Zverev 6-3 7-6(2) 5-7 6-2 in the final of the U.S. Open (draw).
At present, during this year Ben has achieved a composed 39-15 win-loss record. Ben conquered 4 titles in 2026 in Dallas, Munich, Stuttgart and Montreal.
