Rizky Amelia
Alexander Zverev secured his first US Open men’s singles championship on Sunday, overcoming home favourite Ben Shelton in a four-set battle in New York. The victory marked the German’s second Grand Slam title of the season, solidifying his status at the pinnacle of the sport while breaking the hearts of a fiercely supportive American crowd.
Entering the tournament as the top seed at a Grand Slam for the first time in his career, the world number two held his nerve to record a 6-3, 7-6 (2), 5-7, 6-2 victory. The triumph at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center added another major trophy to Zverev’s resume, following his breakthrough victory at the French Open earlier in the year.
The result prolonged the extended championship drought for American men in Grand Slam tennis. With Shelton unable to cross the finish line, no male player representing the United States has hoisted a major singles trophy since Andy Roddick won the US Open in Flushing Meadows back in 2003.
Shelton, appearing in the first Grand Slam final of his burgeoning career, was also pursuing another major milestone. The 23-year-old was aiming to make history by becoming the first Black man to claim the prestigious New York title since the legendary Arthur Ashe accomplished the feat in 1968.
The championship clash began with Zverev quickly seizing the initiative. Shelton showed visible signs of nerves during the opening stages of the match, and the experienced German wasted no time capitalising on his opponent's shaky start to comfortably lock away the opening set by a 6-3 scoreline.
The second set proved far more competitive as the young American settled into the rhythm of the final. However, when the set moved into a decisive tiebreak, Zverev showcased supreme composure, delivering a nearly flawless performance on his serve to take the tiebreak 7-2 and establish a commanding two-set advantage.
Refusing to fold in front of thousands of passionate spectators, Shelton launched a spirited third-set counterattack. Buoyed by the relentless energy of the home crowd, the American managed to break through Zverev's defenses, claiming the set 7-5 to extend the contest and ignite hopes of an improbable comeback.
Zverev, however, extinguished any lingering drama in the fourth set. Reasserting his baseline dominance and clinical execution, the German quelled Shelton’s resurgence by breaking through early and racing away with the final set 6-2 to officially secure the championship.
The conclusion of the contest provided an unusual and lighthearted moment on court. After striking what proved to be the winning shot on his own serve, Zverev appeared momentarily unaware that the match had concluded, casually retreating behind the baseline to prepare for a return. It took a few seconds for the reality of his achievement to sink in before he hoisted his arms aloft in jubilation.
For Zverev, the victory served as ultimate redemption at Flushing Meadows. Six years after suffering a painful and agonizing defeat in the 2020 US Open final, where he let the championship slip from his grasp, the German finally laid his past demons to rest on the same hard courts.
During the trophy ceremony, the normally composed champion showed rare emotion as he reflected on the long, difficult path he and his support team had walked to reach the summit of the tennis world. He highlighted the rapid change in fortunes that saw him go from a career-long major drought to claiming two Grand Slam titles within the space of just three months.
Zverev dedicated a significant portion of his victory speech to his mother, detailing the personal challenges he confronted after being diagnosed with diabetes at four years old. He praised her steadfast belief during his childhood, noting that her refusal to let the illness dictate his athletic ambitions was instrumental in shaping him into a multi-time Grand Slam champion.
Despite the intense on-court rivalry, Zverev offered generous words of encouragement to his vanquished opponent. Recognizing Shelton’s explosive talent and rapid rise through the professional ranks, the German star predicted that the young American would inevitably lift the US Open trophy in the future.
Shelton cut a subdued and reflective figure during his post-match address, directing his deepest gratitude toward his coaching camp and family. He praised the four members of his team who have committed their lives to guiding his career, expressing deep appreciation for their unwavering loyalty and support throughout his memorable run to the final.
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