Alex Zverev secured his first US Open singles title on Sunday, defeating American teenager Ben Shelton in a four-set match that lasted over three hours at Arthur Ashe Stadium in New York. The German player triumphed 6-3, 7-6(2), 5-7, 6-2, ending a nearly four-decade wait for a German male champion at the tournament since Boris Becker’s 1989 victory.

Zverev, who is 29 years old and currently the top seed, displayed resilience throughout the final, overcoming the challenge of 23-year-old Shelton, who had sought to become the first American man to win the US Open since Andy Roddick in 2003. Shelton entered the match as one of the tournament’s standout performers, notably defeating defending champion Carlos Alcaraz in the quarterfinals, and holding the fastest serve in the event with an ace recorded at 149 mph.

The match commenced with Shelton struggling on serve, double-faulting on key points that allowed Zverev to claim the first set in 40 minutes. The German capitalized on his opponent’s errors and maintained composure during the second set's tiebreak, dropping only two points. Despite Shelton’s efforts to mount a comeback by breaking Zverev’s serve in the final game of the third set, the top-seeded German regained control in the fourth, closing out the match decisively.

Zverev’s victory was marked not only by his physical presence on the court—standing 6 feet 6 inches tall—but also by his determination in managing Type-1 diabetes, a condition he has lived with since childhood. During the match, he was observed administering insulin, underscoring his perseverance in the sport despite medical challenges. Reflecting on his journey, Zverev credited his mother’s support in overcoming early doubts about his athletic future.

The win earned Zverev a prize of approximately £4.1 million and marked a significant personal milestone after previous US Open disappointments. Following the victory, he noted the significance of German tennis success, referencing a recent surge with two major titles won in three months.

Shelton, making an impressive run in his first US Open final, expressed gratitude for his experiences and the opportunity to compete before a home crowd, acknowledging both his successes and setbacks as integral to his growth.

Among the spectators at the final was Pierce Brosnan, famed for his role as James Bond, adding a touch of celebrity to the occasion. Zverev’s composed demeanor led to a moment of surprise when he had to be informed by fans that he had secured the championship, illustrating his intense focus throughout the match.