By US Open Men’s Final Takes Centre Stage
Tennis , Sunday, September 13, 2026, will be dominated by the US Open men’s singles final, with Germany’s Alexander Zverev facing American Ben Shelton at Arthur Ashe Stadium. The championship match is scheduled for 2:00 PM local time in New York, according to the official US Open schedule.
The final has developed into one of the most compelling matches of the tournament. Zverev is the top seed and reigning French Open champion, while Shelton is playing in his first Grand Slam final. The contrasting experience of the two players adds another layer of intrigue to Sunday’s championship.
Ben Shelton Chases American Tennis History
Shelton’s run through New York has become a major story in American tennis. The 23-year-old reached his first Grand Slam final after defeating fellow American Frances Tiafoe 4-6, 6-3, 6-3, 7-5 in the semifinals. His victory moved him one win away from becoming the first American man to win a Grand Slam singles title since Andy Roddick’s US Open triumph in 2003.
Shelton’s achievement is also historically significant. He became the first Black American man to reach the US Open men’s singles final since Arthur Ashe in 1972. His performance against Tiafoe demonstrated the power of his serve, his ability to recover after losing the opening set and his growing composure under pressure.
The American has already survived an extraordinary tournament. In the quarterfinals, Shelton defeated defending champion Carlos Alcaraz in a five-set contest that finished at 3:33 a.m., the latest conclusion in US Open history.
Zverev Brings Grand Slam Experience
Standing between Shelton and the championship is Alexander Zverev. The German reached the final after defeating Karen Khachanov 6-3, 7-6(7), 7-6(6) in the semifinals. It will be Zverev’s second US Open final, following his appearance in the 2020 championship match.
Zverev also arrives in New York as the reigning Roland Garros champion, giving him significant experience of winning major tournaments. His 2026 season has included another Grand Slam final at Wimbledon, where he finished runner-up, before his latest run to the US Open championship match.
The German’s route to the final has become increasingly convincing. After difficult five-set matches earlier in the tournament, he has found greater consistency and won four consecutive matches in straight sets, according to Reuters.
A Fascinating Head-to-Head Battle
Sunday’s final also features an interesting matchup because Zverev has dominated their previous meetings. Shelton has not beaten Zverev in their five previous encounters. However, their first Grand Slam meeting provides a completely different setting, with a major title on the line and a packed Arthur Ashe Stadium expected to create an intense atmosphere.
The key battle could revolve around serving and returning. Shelton’s explosive serve can produce quick points and pressure opponents immediately, while Zverev’s height, movement and baseline consistency give him the tools to extend rallies and test Shelton physically.
What Makes Sunday’s Final Special?
The stakes extend well beyond the trophy. For Shelton, victory would end a 23-year wait for an American men’s Grand Slam singles champion and establish him as one of the country’s leading tennis stars. For Zverev, another major title would strengthen his position among the leading players of his generation after his French Open success.
The match also represents a major moment for both players at very different stages of their careers. Shelton is attempting to turn a breakthrough tournament into his first major championship, while Zverev is trying to add another Grand Slam trophy to his collection.
Final Weekend at Flushing Meadows
The US Open’s final weekend has already delivered championship tennis, with the women’s singles final and doubles finals taking place Saturday. Sunday’s schedule is centered on the men’s singles championship match, officially listed for 2:00 PM in New York.
For tennis fans, tomorrow’s final promises power, pressure and history. Shelton has the opportunity to create a landmark moment for American tennis, while Zverev has the experience and recent Grand Slam success to make him a formidable opponent.
Whatever happens, Zverev vs Shelton is set to provide a dramatic conclusion to the 2026 US Open men’s singles tournament, with one player preparing to lift the trophy and another preparing to experience the biggest match of his career.
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