Alexander Zverev Fails to Realize He Won US Open as Hilarious Video After Beating Ben Shelton Goes Viral

Alexander Zverev improved his head-to-head record over Ben Shelton to a perfect 6-0.

Alexander Zverev Fails to Realize He Won US Open as Hilarious Video After Beating Ben Shelton Goes Viral

Alexander Zverev didn't realize he won the US Open by beating Ben Shelton (Image via MySA, X/The Tennis Letter)

Ben Shelton couldn’t end the American men’s Grand Slam title drought. On Sunday (September 13), Alexander Zverev downed the home favorite 6-3, 7-6(2), 5-7, 6-2 in the US Open final to become a Grand Slam champion for the second time in his career.

The win helped Zverev improve his head-to-head record over the 23-year-old to a perfect 6-0. It was the first time they played in a Grand Slam event. Zverev, however, did not realize that he had won the match. At 40-15, the German ace served for the match. Shelton returned, but his shot went wide. Zverev had no idea that he won the match as he returned to his position to serve again.

The crowd at Arthur Ashe Stadium started rising to its feet, and it eventually hit Zverev that he was now the newest champion at Flushing Meadows. The moment he realized this, he threw his arms in the air in celebration.

Here’s the video:

For the first time since Arthur Ashe in 1972, a Black man had reached the US Open final. Shelton did it by defeating Frances Tiafoe in an all-Black American semifinal.

Ben, you’re an incredible player and person. It’s your first Grand Slam final, but I already told you you’re gonna be back here many more times. If I had to bet my money on it, I’d bet that you would lift this trophy one day.

Alexander Zverev said during the trophy presentation

The win over Tiafoe also made Shelton the second American man to reach a Grand Slam final since Taylor Fritz at the 2024 US Open, which he lost to World No.1 Jannik Sinner, who is also last year’s runner-up. But he skipped the tournament this year due to a knee injury.

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Ben Shelton reacts after losing the US Open final to Alexander Zverev

Ben Shelton sent shockwaves with his win in the quarterfinals as he knocked out none other than defending champion Carlos Alcaraz in a five-set thriller that lasted four hours and 28 minutes, with the match also ending at 3:30 am local time. The seven-time Grand Slam champion lost to Shelton for the first time.

Ben Shelton, Alexander Zverev (2)
Ben Shelton, Alexander Zverev (Image via ATP Tour, TIME)

It was the first time Shelton lost a final this season, as he won the four finals he played before arriving in New York. He clinched the Dallas Open and the Stuttgart Open by beating Fritz, the Munich Open by beating Cobolli, and defended his title at the Canadian Open by beating Brandon Nakashima, winning his second Big Title of his career.

First and most importantly, I wanna thank God. My successes are a gift. The failures are a gift. Being here playing in front of you guys is a gift. Sascha, congrats on these two weeks, man. Your second Grand Slam title. Two in one year. You’re one of the very best players in the world. Maybe the best player in the world this year. What you’re doing is incredible.

Ben Shelton said during the runner-up speech

Zverev won more Grand Slam titles than Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner this season. The Spaniard won the Australian Open, while the Italian won at Wimbledon.

The way you’re serving, moving, and playing. You work harder than anyone I know. You put more hours on the court than anyone I know. You and your team do things the right way. Sincerely happy for you guys to hold this title. It’s been a long time coming here.

Ben Shelton added

Zverev also played his career’s second final at the US Open after the 2020 season. Dominic Thiem denied him the win in what was also his career’s first Major.

Also read: Alexander Zverev Believes He Can Win More Grand Slam Titles Than Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner After Reaching US Open Final