US Open
US Open 2026 Men’s Final Preview: Zverev vs Shelton Prediction & How to Watch
Alexander Zverev plays Ben Shelton in the US Open 2026 men's final. Preview, head-to-head, prediction and how to watch.
Alexander Zverev and Ben Shelton meet in the US Open 2026 men’s final on Sunday, with a second Grand Slam title for Zverev and a landmark home victory for Shelton both on the line at Arthur Ashe Stadium.
Zverev reached the final by beating Karen Khachanov 6-3, 7-6(7), 7-6(6). Shelton came from a set down to beat Frances Tiafoe 4-6, 6-3, 6-3, 7-5 and reach his first Grand Slam final.
Head-to-head and key battle
Zverev leads the head-to-head 5-0. His returning, backhand stability and experience in major finals make him the more reliable choice over five sets. Shelton’s chance is to make his left-handed serve decisive, attack early and use the New York crowd without allowing the occasion to rush him.
Prediction
Pick: Zverev to win in four sets. Shelton has the confidence and firepower to make this a serious test, but Zverev’s 5-0 matchup edge and composure in the semi-final tie-breaks point to the German.
How to watch
Find UK broadcast and streaming information in our US Open live-stream guide. For the tournament context, visit the US Open 2026 hub, read our US Open preview and see Rybakina’s women’s-title report.
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Zverev’s route: resilience before control
Zverev’s run has not been a straight path. He needed five sets to get past Lorenzo Sonego in the first round and was taken the distance again by Quentin Halys in the second. From there, his level rose sharply as he beat Alejandro Tabilo, Luciano Darderi and Botic van de Zandschulp without dropping a set before overcoming Khachanov.
That progression matters for the final. The German has already experienced the physical and emotional demands of the fortnight, while the semi-final showed that he can still find clean tennis when sets tighten into tie-breaks.
Shelton’s breakthrough fortnight
Shelton’s quarter-final victory over defending champion Carlos Alcaraz transformed the shape of the draw and his own tournament. He then backed it up against Tiafoe, recovering from the opening set to win an intense all-American semi-final and earn the biggest match of his career.
The final gives Shelton an opportunity to turn a breakthrough run into a defining title. The home support will be substantial, but the key is the same as it has been throughout the tournament: use the serve to create attacking positions, rather than relying on one-shot winners against an opponent as disciplined as Zverev.
US Open 2026 Men’s Final FAQs
Who is in the US Open men’s final?
Alexander Zverev plays Ben Shelton in the US Open 2026 men’s singles final.
What is the Zverev vs Shelton head-to-head record?
Zverev leads Shelton 5-0 going into their first Grand Slam meeting.
Who is the prediction for the final?
Zverev is the pick in four sets.
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