Alexander Zverev beat Ben Shelton 6-3, 7-6 (7/2), 5-7, 6-2 to win the US Open on Sunday, expunging the memory of a bitter Flushing Meadows defeat with his second Grand Slam title. The top-seeded German, who was within two points of the US Open crown in 2020 but fell in five agonizing sets to Dominic Thiem, added the trophy to the French Open title he captured this year. He denied Shelton’s bid to become the first US man in 23 years to lift a Grand Slam trophy. The 23-year-old Shelton was one month shy of his first birthday when Andy Roddick hoisted the 2003 US Open trophy in the last major triumph for a US man.
Shelton Falls Short as Opponent Claims Victory
In a decisive moment during the match, the player faced a time violation warning at 30-30 in the fourth game but quickly regrouped to win the game, taking a 3-1 lead with a precise crosscourt backhand. The match concluded dramatically when Shelton’s return on match point sailed long, allowing his opponent to celebrate the victory by raising his arms in triumph, receiving a warm cheer from the crowd.
Zverev and Shelton Battle in Fourth Set
In a tense match, Alexander Zverev faced a challenging moment while serving to extend the third set against Ben Shelton. Zverev found himself down 0-40, and although Shelton missed his first set point by hitting long, he capitalized on the second as Zverev’s forehand volley went wide, securing his first break of the match and forcing a fourth set.
Zverev quickly responded, demonstrating his determination. He engaged Shelton in a grueling 24-shot rally, ultimately forcing Shelton to hit a backhand wide, resulting in Zverev breaking Shelton’s serve in the opening game of the fourth set.
