Ben Shelton and Alexander Zverev Play for the US Open Title
US Open
September 12, 2026
Ben Shelton will try to cause an upset against number one seed Sascha Zverev on Sunday with his newfound mental strength.
And given the way Ben shocked Carlos Alcaraz in the quarters, no one should write the American off.
Whatever happens in the US Open final, this major can be seen as the one that saw Shelton well and truly come of age.
Ben Shelton will be an awesome force by the time we reconvene on the manicured lawns for Wimbledon 2027. He could even be one of the big favourites for Centre Court glory.
There is a new, more mature determination about him. An inner steel and emotional calm beyond the familiar swag. Shelton means business. His game looks close to completion.
And he outlasted his friend and compatriot, Frances Tiafoe with an extraordinary fitness and sharpness to triumph 4-6, 6-3, 6-3, 7-5.
There was a highly significant moment moment in the third set when honours were still even. These hugely entertaining characters duked it out with a 28-shot rally.
But it looked as though Ben could have gone on forever. Tiafoe tried to end it with a drop shot and failed miserably. It had the feel of a white flag.
And although a double fault was a sad way for the match to finish, the writing had been on the wall for some time.
Shelton is the rightful finalist and the man with the best chance against Zverev, heroic as Tiafoe’s adventure has been at Flushing Meadows.
As for Sascha, he continues to enjoy a remarkable year. French Open champion, Wimbledon finalist and now US Open finalist.
Ben Shelton and Sascha Zverev have both taken their games to a new level this year. Wimbledon 2027 will surely reap the spectacular rewards.
Zverev’s game has always been built around his massive serve – and nothing has changed there. But he now adds a ruthless relaxation and confidence to his wider stroke play.
The most dangerous enemy to Sascha had always been Sascha in the big moments. Psychologically, he finally seems to have found the answers.
Yet Shelton might take encouragement from the fact that Karen Khachanov was 5-3 and 5-2 ahead in the breakers before suffering psychological meltdowns of his own.
Sascha gratefully stormed back to win 6-3, 7-6 (9-7), 7-6 (8-6), taking full advantage of the Russian’s mishits at crucial times.
Here at Wimbledon Debenture Holders, we don’t expect Shelton to falter in the big moments during the final on Sunday. And there will be around 24,000 Americans cheering him on.
Ben Shelton would surely appreciate your support at Wimbledon 2027 as well! We can make that happen for you.
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