Alexander Zverev won the US Open — then had no idea the match was over

Monday, 14 September 2026 at 01:49

A particularly remarkable moment unfolded on Alexander Zverev's match point as he looked to win his second Grand Slam title. The German was serving for the US Open championship once again, just as he had done six years earlier in the unforgettable 2020 final against Dominic Thiem, when a series of missed opportunities ultimately allowed the Austrian to fight back and claim the title.

This time, his opponent was local favorite Ben Shelton, with Arthur Ashe Stadium completely behind the American's hopes of ending a 23-year wait for a homegrown men's singles champion in New York. However, Zverev was ready to spoil the party for both Shelton and the home crowd.

In a controlled and efficient performance built around his serve, Zverev was in command for almost the entire match. Aside from a few moments of doubt in the third set, which ultimately cost him his only break of the match and allowed Shelton to take the set, the world No. 2 rarely looked close to losing control.

Precisely when he closed out the 6-3, 7-6, 5-7, 6-2 victory, however, Zverev did not even realize that he had become US Open champion. The crowd erupted in celebration, while Zverev, still completely focused on the match, asked for a ball from a ball kid as he prepared to continue serving. His face remained serious for almost 15 seconds after Shelton's final error before the German finally realized what had happened.

Alexander Zverev wins the US Open. Then.. he notices he won it
by u/SourceBrettHaber in tennis

The unusual moment was captured by the television cameras, showing just how long it took Zverev to process that he was finally a US Open champion. Six years after the heartbreak against Thiem, he has now returned to the top of the sport with a completely different status.

At 29, Zverev has reached three consecutive Grand Slam finals and won two of them, adding the US Open to his 2026 Roland Garros title and finally collecting the major success he had spent his entire career chasing.

“I thought the score was 5-1, to be honest. I thought it was 5-1, which helped me. I probably would have served three double faults instead of one,” he said hilariously during a post match interview. “But yeah, I thought the score was 5-1. I knew that I broke him twice, but yeah, it was a long match.”

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The moment perfectly captured the difference between Zverev's two most important Grand Slam finals. In 2020, he stood on the brink of his first major title before letting the opportunity slip away. Six years later, he was so locked into the task that he did not even realize the finish line had arrived.

This time, there was no collapse, no missed opportunity and no heartbreak — only a second Grand Slam title and another chapter in the remarkable resurgence of his career.

Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist

Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.

His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.

In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.

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