By Miguel Mike Medina
Photo Credit: Matthew Stockman / Getty Images
Alexander Zverev wins his second career Grand Slam after defeating Ben Shelton in the US Open Final, 6-3, 7-6, 5-7, 6-2, at Arthur Ashe Stadium on Sunday afternoon. It’s his first career US Open title.
Zverev wasn’t even aware that he won until he was told about it. The reaction was hilarious. It was a priceless reaction. Zverev was very focused and locked in.
Shelton gave it all he had. The 23-year-old looked his absolute best throughout this tournament. Shelton fought hard, especially securing impressive wins over Carlos Alcaraz and Francis Tiafoe. Both of those matches will go down as US Open classics. Shelton will win a Grand Slam someday. He continues to grow and improve as a player. It may feel gloomy at the moment, but this is only the beginning for him.
Shelton thanked God and said the US Open experience was positive regardless of the result.
“My successes are a gift, the failures are a gift, and being here playing in front of you guys is a gift,” he said.
Zverev survived through seven rounds. It didn’t look great when he started the tournament, but he finished like a fierce winner. Zverev made smart decisions against Shelton. Zverev has bounced back from so many heartbreaking losses. Alcaraz was last year’s US Open winner. This time, it’s Sascha’s time to have the glory.
“We went 30 years without winning a Grand Slam title, and now we won two in a span of three months,” Zverev said during the postgame victory speech.
Zverev has made his country, Germany, proud with this win. 2026 has been an unforgettable year for him.
“God has seen how hard we worked, how much we suffered, how much pain we went through, and I think 2026 is the outcome of all the years that happened before,” Zverev said.
Both Shelton and Zverev were gracious in their speeches, and it was phenomenal that they referenced God in their speech. Without the lord, we can’t do anything. Congratulations to Sascha on a successful journey.
Miguel Mike Medina is the publisher of The MMM Journal. He can be reached at medinamiguelmike@gmail.com and themmmjournal@gmail.com
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