Zverev becomes US Open champion, erasing 6 years of regret

Alexander Zverev defeated Ben Shelton 6-3, 7-6 (7/2), 5-7, 6-2 in the US Open final, erasing memories of a heartbreaking loss at Flushing Meadows in 2020. It was the second Grand Slam title of his career.

The top-seeded German was just two points away from winning the US Open in 2020, but lost to Dominic Thiem in a tough five-set battle. This year's French Open title is now joined by the US Open title.

Shelton's dream was to become the first American player in 23 years to win a Grand Slam, but Zverev prevented that dream from coming true.

Shelton, 23, was less than a month old when Andy Roddick lifted the US Open trophy in 2003. It was the last Grand Slam win by an American male player.

After losing to last year's champion Carlos Alcaraz in a five-set battle in the quarterfinals, there was hope that Shelton might end the drought this time. She also came from behind to defeat fellow countryman Frances Tiafoe in the semifinals.

But Shelton was no match for Zverev's all-round performance. Even though the star-studded crowd at Arthur Ashe Stadium cheered Shelton on, it wasn't enough.

Shelton made a great comeback in the third set, supported by the crowd. He did not make the mistakes that Zverev was taking advantage of in this set.

Zverev fell behind 0-40 on a set-saving serve. Shelton's shot went long on the first set point. Zverev's forehand volley went wide on the second set point. This gave Shelton his first break of service in the match, and the game went into the fourth set.

Zverev responded early in the fourth set, wearing down Shelton with a 24-shot rally. He eventually lost serve in his first game when Shelton's backhand went wide.

Even with a service break ahead, tension was building between Zverev, with a determined Shelton on one side and a hostile audience on the other.

In the fourth game, Zverev was warned for time wasting before serving at 30-30. However, he ignored it and won the game with a sharp crosscourt backhand to take a 3-1 lead.

Zverev then easily moved ahead. When Shelton's serve return went long on match point, he raised both hands in celebration. This time he received a big round of applause from the audience.