Alexander Zverev Wins Maiden US Open Title, Then Delivers Surprise Response | Watch

Last Updated:September 14, 2026, 10:08 IST

Alexander Zverev captured his maiden US Open title, but his stunned reaction stole the show as the German couldn’t realise the match was over.

Alexander Zverev celebrates after he won the men’s singles final of the US Open against Ben Shelton (Picture credit: AP)

Two-time Grand Slam champion Alexander Zverev was still in the zone and didn’t realise that he had won his first US Open title and his reaction to the sudden realisation has gone viral on social media.

Zverev held off a late fightback from Ben Shelton to win 6-3, 7-6 (7/2), 5-7, 6-2, ending the eighth seed’s hopes of becoming the first American man in 23 years to lift a Grand Slam title.

Zverev expunged the bitter memory of his 2020 US Open loss, when he was two points from a win before falling to Dominic Thiem in five sets.

But when Shelton’s forehand sailed wide on match point, Zverev barely reacted. He turned and walked back towards the baseline, preparing for the next point.

For a few moments, Zverev seemed unaware that the match was over. The roar from Arthur Ashe Stadium then appeared to snap him out of it. He raised both arms towards the crowd, taking in the significance of what he had accomplished.

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It would be six years, with two major finals disappointments, before Zverev would break through this season.

“I think God has seen how hard we worked, how much we suffered, how much pain we went through and I think 2026 is the outcome of all the years that happened before,” Zverev said after the match.

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 win for a US man.

Hopes were high that Shelton could end the long wait after his thrilling five-set quarter-final win against defending champion Carlos Alcaraz, followed by a comeback victory over compatriot Frances Tiafoe in the semi-finals.

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Who did Alexander Zverev defeat to win the 2026 US Open men’s singles title?

Alexander Zverev defeated 23-year-old American player Ben Shelton to win the 2026 US Open men’s singles title. Zverev won the final match with a score of 6-3, 7-6 (7/2), 5-7, 6-2.

How many Grand Slam titles did Alexander Zverev win during the 2026 season?

Alexander Zverev won two Grand Slam titles during the 2026 season. He captured his maiden Grand Slam title at the French Open earlier in the year before winning his second major title at the US Open.

What was Alexander Zverev’s reaction immediately after winning the 2026 US Open match point?

Immediately after Ben Shelton’s forehand sailed wide on match point, Zverev did not realize he had won and barely reacted. He turned and walked back toward the baseline to prepare for the next point before the roar of the Arthur Ashe Stadium crowd snapped him out of it.

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