Alize Cornet isn't buying the hype around the Zverev-Shelton US Open final: "I've completely lost my interest"
ATP
Alize Cornet has admitted that the US Open men's final between Alexander Zverev and Ben Shelton does not exactly have her dreaming about tennis, offering an unusually blunt assessment of the matchup before Sunday's showdown.
The former French player acknowledged that her feelings towards Zverev may be influencing her judgment, but said the final does little for her in terms of pure tennis.
That is a difficult argument to make when looking at what the two players have accomplished to reach Arthur Ashe Stadium. Shelton eliminated defending champion Carlos Alcaraz in a five-set quarterfinal thriller, then defeated Frances Tiafoe to reach his first Grand Slam final. Zverev, meanwhile, overcame Karen Khachanov and has put together another deep run after winning his first major at Roland Garros earlier this year.
The context makes the final even more unusual. Jannik Sinner is absent from the tournament, Alcaraz is already out and Novak Djokovic also failed to make the final stages, leaving Zverev and Shelton to fight for a title that neither would have been the obvious pre-tournament storyline.
Shelton is now one victory away from ending the American men's Grand Slam drought that has lasted since Andy Roddick won the US Open in 2003.
Yet Cornet sees a matchup that lacks some of the ingredients she wants from a Grand Slam final. She described Shelton as a player with flair and creativity, but contrasted him with Zverev in terms that were far less flattering to the German.
“In terms of pure tennis, on paper, it doesn't make me dream”
Cornet's assessment was openly subjective, and she immediately acknowledged that her longstanding affection for Zverev could be affecting her view. Still, she was clear that the German's presence on one side of the net had changed the way she felt about the final.
“It's completely personal and maybe a little subjective, but for me, this isn't a final that makes me dream,” the former world No. 11 said in Les Grandes Gueules du Sport. “Everyone already knows how much affection I have for Alexander Zverev. And so I think that does slightly bias my judgment.”
Alexander Zverev of Germany during his second round match on day 5 of the 2026 US Open
Her lack of enthusiasm was not directed entirely at Shelton. Cornet said she had enjoyed watching the American's tennis and recognised that he brings something different to the court. But with Carlos Alcaraz eliminated, she admitted that much of her interest in the tournament had disappeared.
“The thing is, Ben Shelton does have flair. You can't take that away from him. In terms of tennis, though, it doesn't interest me,” Cornet said. “Since Carlos (Alcaraz) went out of the tournament, I've completely lost my interest in this US Open. I think Shelton's tennis is interesting. It's true that he's different… but then, Zverev on the other side... I just can't. I really have this visceral reaction.”
That is where Cornet's criticism becomes more revealing than a simple dislike of the finalists. “I watch tennis for the personalities, for what they're going to produce in terms of level of play, creativity and all that.”
“Here, apart from seeing an American finally win the US Open after years and years of drought, that's the only thing that could interest me. But in terms of pure tennis, on paper, it doesn't make me dream. I may not be objective, I admit it.”
🗣💬 @alizecornet : "Zverev-Shelton ? Ce n'est pas une finale qui me fait rêver. En termes de tennis pur, ça ne m'intéresse pas et ça ne me fait pas rêver. Tu as un bourrin qui sert à 254 km/h contre un mec qui lime." pic.twitter.com/lVL7v5sWLr
— Les Grandes Gueules du Sport - RMC (@GGsportRMC) September 12, 2026
A “slugger” against a grinder — but hardly an ordinary final
Cornet's description of the matchup was deliberately blunt, but she did acknowledge that Shelton brings something different to the court. The American's power and unpredictability have been central to his run, particularly in his five-set victory over Alcaraz.
“That's true, we have to say it. The guy serves at 254 [km/h]. Great. Shelton does have a creative side in some things. A little bit, it's true. He's surprising. He does things from the back of the court that fall outside the traditional patterns. Still, it doesn't make me dream.”
The final nevertheless carries significant stakes. Shelton is trying to win his first Grand Slam and become the first American man to win a major since Andy Roddick in 2003, while Zverev is looking for his second Grand Slam title of the year after winning Roland Garros. The German also leads their head-to-head 5-0.
Read also
Shelton's victory over Alcaraz has given the final another dimension, while Zverev has reached the championship match after Sinner's absence and the early exits of several other contenders reshaped the draw. What might have seemed an unlikely final before the tournament now offers either a second major for Zverev or a historic breakthrough for Shelton.
Cornet may not be selling the matchup, but she ultimately acknowledged that its sporting significance is difficult to dismiss. “After that, I'm not selling this final very well at all, but in sporting terms, it is still historic.”
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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