Ben Shelton lost the 2026 US Open final in four sets to Alexander Zverev, prolonging the American men's grand slam drought that dates back to Andy Roddick's 2003 triumph.
Key facts
- Alexander Zverev beat Ben Shelton in four sets in the 2026 US Open final.
- It was Zverev's second career grand slam title.
- No American man has won a major since Andy Roddick at the 2003 US Open.
- Shelton was a month short of his first birthday when Roddick last won a major.
- Zverev reached the final without facing Jannik Sinner or Carlos Alcaraz.
Alexander Zverev was too good for the home favourite at the US Open on Sunday, beating US Open final debutant Ben Shelton in four sets to deflate the partisan crowd at Arthur Ashe Stadium, according to the Guardian.
The result gave Zverev his second career grand slam title. The German managed to claim the trophy without having to face the tournament’s other leading contenders, Jannik Sinner or Carlos Alcaraz, on his path through the draw.
The defeat also compounded Shelton’s poor head-to-head record against Zverev, adding to a run of matches that has consistently gone the German’s way.
Beyond the individual disappointment, the loss extended a lengthy drought for American men in the sport. The last time an American man won a grand slam title was Andy Roddick at the 2003 US Open, a mark the Guardian notes may stand for some time yet.
To underline how long that wait has been, Shelton was still a month away from his first birthday when Roddick claimed that title in New York.
After the final, Shelton thanked his team and the capacity crowd while carrying the silver runner-up tray. “Disappointed with how today went,” he said in his press conference. “Excited with the progress that I feel that I’ve made. But, yeah, this one stings 100%.”
Why it matters
American men's tennis has been without a grand slam champion for more than two decades, and Shelton's run to the final raised hopes that the drought might end. His defeat means the wait continues, keeping Roddick's 2003 win as the last by an American man.