Key Takeaways
- Alexander Zverev defeated Ben Shelton 6-3, 7-6(2), 5-7, 6-2 to secure the New York title.
- Zverev admitted he had a delayed reaction at the finish because “I thought the score was 5-1 instead of 6-2.”
- After doubting himself months ago, Zverev celebrated his second major of the year and said “I want to keep going.”
Scoreline confusion on championship point
Alexander Zverev secured his second major championship of the season in New York, defeating Ben Shelton 6-3, 7-6(2), 5-7, 6-2 in the final. However, the closing moments of the contest brought an unusual scene when the German star displayed an unexpectedly delayed reaction upon clinching the title.
Speaking on Tennis Channel after the victory, Zverev admitted he had lost track of the match score right before closing out the fourth set. “Yeah, well, or unfocused. I thought the score was 5-1 instead of 6-2,” Zverev explained. “So, that’s a first.”
Despite the humorous lapse in match awareness, the champion was thrilled to lift the silverware. “Um but, yeah, definitely happy with with uh with the win,” he said, adding that he was “definitely happy to stand here with this trophy.”
Overcoming doubt to secure multiple majors
Reflecting on his path back to the top of the sport following severe injury struggles, Zverev highlighted just how drastically his fortunes have shifted over recent months. He referenced his thoughts during the post-match ceremony, where he also spoke warmly about his mother.
“You know, 3 months ago, I was questioning whether I was ever going to be a Grand Slam champion,” Zverev confessed. “I’m standing here with two.” Expressing his excitement about his current form, he stated that he was “very, very happy and yeah, can’t wait for what’s to come.”
Raising ambitions after achieving ultimate goal
When asked whether collecting two Grand Slam titles within a single season changes what he considers achievable in the future, Zverev acknowledged that his mentality is already evolving.
“Yeah, definitely a little bit,” Zverev said. “I mean, the goal before this year was always to win one Grand Slam, right? That was the That was the the ultimate goal for me because I kind of won in every other level.”
He recalled the singular focus that drove his preparation for so long: “So, I was like, ‘Okay, Grand Slam title, Grand Slam title, Grand Slam title.'” Having finally broken through and added a second major trophy to his cabinet, his motivation remains high. “I got two now, so I want to keep going,” he said.
Alexander Zverev in 2026
Now the world no.2 (career-high), Alexander played his last match on the 13th of September when he overcame world no.4 Ben Shelton 6-3 7-6(2) 5-7 6-2 in the final of the U.S. Open to win his 27th career title.
At the moment, during this season Alexander has achieved an overall 53-13 match record. Alexander clinched 2 titles in 2026 at the French Open and U.S. Open.
