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Alexander Zverev defeated Ben Shelton in four sets on Sunday, adding another major achievement to a remarkable year that began with his maiden Grand Slam title at the French Open.
Alexander Zverev (left) defeated Ben Shelton to win his second Grand Slam title. (AP Photo)
Alexander Zverev will waste little time celebrating his US Open triumph, with the newly crowned champion set to return to Davis Cup duty for Germany this weekend. Across the Atlantic, Ben Shelton will attempt to recover from his defeat in the Flushing Meadows final.
Zverevnow ranked world number two, beat Shelton in four sets on Sunday, adding another major achievement to a remarkable year that began with his maiden Grand Slam title at the French Open in June.
A first Davis Cup title for Germany since 1993 would provide another fitting highlight. The team must first overcome Croatia in a second-round qualifying tie in Halle on Saturday and Sunday to secure a place at November’s eight-team Finals.
Also Read: Zverev Wins Maiden US Open Title, Then Delivers Surprise Response
Seven qualifying ties will determine the remaining spots alongside hosts and three-time reigning champions Italy, who will stage the Finals in Bologna.
Zverev’s decision to play came despite resistance from those around him.
“I really, really would like to play in the Davis Cup. Everyone around me is trying to talk me out of it,” he said after winning the US Open.
Germany captain Michael Kohlmann’s side includes Zverev, while Croatia can call on veteran Marin Cilic, 37, and rising youngster Dino Prizmic. Croatia last appeared at the Finals in 2023, when the competition featured 16 teams.
Germany reached last year’s semi-finals, where Tim Puetz and Kevin Krawietz lost only their second Davis Cup match as a partnership in 24 outings, falling to Spain in the deciding doubles rubber.
USA Vs Czech
The United States, winners of a record 32 Davis Cup titles, face the Czech Republic in Prague on Friday and Saturday, seeking to end a 19-year wait for another championship.
Shelton’s role becomes more significant after Taylor Fritz, the world number 10, and Tommy Paul withdrew. Learner Tien and world number 104 Martin Damm replaced them. Damm has the same name as his Czech-born father, the 2006 US Open men’s doubles champion.
Jakub Mensik, Jiri Lehecka, Tomas Machac and Vit Kopriva form the Czech squad under captain Tomas Berdych. Mensik, a French Open semi-finalist, is ranked 24th.
The matchup repeats last year’s qualifying tie, when Mensik defeated Frances Tiafoe in the deciding singles match to secure a 3-2 Czech win in Delray Beach.
US captain Bob Bryan, part of the 2007 title-winning team, will rely on Shelton despite the new world number four saying he was “tired before I took the court” in the US Open final.
Elsewhere, South Korea face India in Seoul, with the winner becoming Asia’s first quarter-finalist since Kazakhstan in 2021. Kwon Soon-woo and former Australian Open semi-finalist Chung Hyeon, now ranked 549th, feature for Korea.
Spain take on Chile in Santiago whereas Britain host Ecuador in London, Austria meet Belgium, and Canada face France in Quebec City, where Felix Auger-Aliassime and Arthur Fils are scheduled to meet.
With AFP Inputs
Quick Answers
Ask News18Alexander Zverev won his maiden US Open title by defeating Ben Shelton in a four-set final. Following the tournament, Zverev rose to world number two, while Shelton became the world number four.
Ask News18About the Author
Feroz Khan has been covering sports for over 12 years now and is currently working with Network18 as Principal Correspondent. He embarked on his journey in 2011 and has since acquired vast experience …Read More
September 16, 2026, 10:35 IST
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