New York, September 14, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Alexander Zverev admitted he was so deeply focused during the US Open final that he did not realise he had won the championship point against Ben Shelton and initially thought the match was still in progress.
The second-seeded German defeated American Shelton 6-3, 7-6(2), 5-7, 6-2 to claim his second Grand Slam title of the year and the second major of his career. The victory came in Zverev’s sixth Grand Slam final and third final appearance of the year, while Shelton was playing in his first major final.
After sealing the decisive point, Zverev remained near the baseline, preparing to receive Shelton’s serve. He only realised the match was over after looking around the stadium and seeing his team signalling that he had become US Open champion.
“In that moment, I was in the zone a lot. I didn’t hear noise at all,” Zverev said during his post-match press conference.
He explained that the noise from the crowd prevented him from hearing the umpire announce the end of the match. Zverev also said he had lost track of the score and believed he was leading 5-1 rather than 6-2.
The triumph followed Zverev’s first Grand Slam title at Roland Garros in June. He said winning in Paris had helped erase the emotional scars from his heartbreaking defeat in the 2020 US Open final.
“I think the scars of the 2020 final, they kind of disappeared after I won in Paris,” Zverev said.
The German added that he now approaches Grand Slam finals with greater enjoyment rather than the pressure he previously felt over whether he would ever win a major title.
Zverev also praised Shelton’s development, highlighting the 23-year-old’s work ethic and improvement. Shelton, a four-time ATP Tour winner this year, had previously been known for his powerful serve and forehand, but Zverev said his opponent’s backhand and overall consistency had improved significantly.
FOLLOW NOW
