NEW YORK — Alexander Zverev turned a tense US Open final into another landmark moment in his career, defeating Ben Shelton in four sets Sunday to add the New York crown to his French Open triumph.
The German prevailed, 6-3, 7-6 (2), 5-7, 6-2, denying Shelton a historic breakthrough before an overwhelmingly supportive American crowd.
Zverev dictated much of the contest through his serve and consistency from the baseline. Shelton fought back in the third set, but the comeback ended quickly as the German regained control in the fourth.
The victory gave Zverev his second major championship and ended an extraordinary season in which he has emerged as one of the dominant forces in men’s tennis.
Shelton, competing in his first Grand Slam final, had hoped to end America’s 23-year wait for a US Open men’s champion since Roddick’s 2003 victory.
Instead, the 23-year-old was left to settle for a runner-up finish.
Zverev later praised Shelton’s performance and expressed confidence that the American will eventually lift the trophy himself.
Sourced online / ia/xf
