Alexander Zverev continues his remarkable year in tennis by clinching his second major title, extending the Grand Slam drought for American male players. Zverev emerged victorious in the U.S. Open final against Ben Shelton with a score of 6-3, 7-6 (2), 5-7, 6-2, denying the hopes of the American crowd eager to witness a homegrown champion for the first time since 2003.
This triumph follows Zverev’s earlier success at the French Open this year, redeeming himself from the missed opportunity in 2020. As the top seed in a Grand Slam for the first time, Zverev capitalized on Shelton’s initial nervousness in his debut major final, dominating the crucial tiebreaker and thwarting Shelton’s comeback efforts amidst the fervent crowd support.
Acknowledging the overwhelming support for his opponent, Zverev expressed gratitude for the electric atmosphere at the trophy presentation. Shelton, aiming to become the first American male champion since 2003 and the first Black player since 1968, lauded Zverev for his exceptional performance throughout the year.
With an impressive 25-2 record in major tournaments in 2021, Zverev claimed a record-breaking prize money of $5.5 million US, equaling the women’s champion’s earnings. Reflecting on his journey, Zverev emphasized the hard work and sacrifices that culminated in his well-deserved victory at the U.S. Open.
Despite Shelton’s valiant efforts, including a historic late-night quarterfinal win, he fell short of his quest to dethrone the top seeds. The American fans, eager to end the prolonged wait for a men’s title, rallied behind Shelton but witnessed Zverev’s dominance on the court.
Zverev’s strategic gameplay and composure silenced the crowd’s interruptions, with his deliberate serving routine creating moments of intense focus. Despite attempts to disrupt his rhythm, Zverev remained unfazed and closed out the match decisively, showcasing his prowess and determination on the grand stage.