The German top seed produced a composed performance under the pressure of a partisan New York crowd, overcoming Shelton 6-3, 7-6(2), 5-7, 6-2 to add another Grand Slam crown to his collection.
Zverev’s victory also completes a remarkable season for the German, who previously secured the French Open title earlier this year.
Zverev Takes Control Early
The final began with Zverev establishing himself as the more consistent player from the baseline.
Shelton, backed by the home crowd, struggled to disrupt the German’s rhythm as Zverev took the opening set 6-3 and immediately placed the American under pressure.
The second set proved considerably tighter, with neither player willing to give ground. Zverev eventually prevailed in the tie-break, winning it 7-2 to move within one set of the championship.
Shelton Fights Back
Facing a two-set deficit, Shelton refused to surrender.
The American raised his intensity in the third set and found a way through Zverev’s defence, taking the set 7-5 and giving the home crowd renewed hope of a comeback.
But Zverev remained composed.
The German regained control in the fourth set, breaking away from Shelton and closing out the contest 6-2 to secure his maiden US Open championship.
A Bizarre End to the Final
The final point produced an unusual moment.
With Zverev serving for the championship, Shelton’s return sailed long. However, Zverev initially appeared unaware that the ball had ended the match and casually hit the ball back towards the opposite side of the court, seemingly preparing for the next point.
It was only after looking towards the stadium’s big screen that the German realised the match was over.
Zverev now leaves New York with his first US Open crown, his second Grand Slam title of the year and another major milestone in his career.
