Daily News 19

Tag: Ben Shelton

  • Zverev Wins US Open for Second Grand Slam Victory

    Zverev Wins US Open for Second Grand Slam Victory

    Alexander Zverev Claims Second Career Grand Slam Title at US Open

    Alexander Zverev captured the second major championship of his career on Sunday, defeating American Ben Shelton in the US Open final. The German star secured a four-set victory with a scoreline of 6-3, 7-6, 5-7, 6-2 at Arthur Ashe Stadium.

    Zverev Controls Early Exchanges

    Zverev asserted his authority early, utilizing powerful groundstrokes and precise serving to claim the opening set 6-3. He continued his dominance into the second set, navigating a tight tiebreak to take a commanding two-sets-to-love lead.

    Shelton Mounts Brief Comeback

    Shelton, playing in his second major final, refused to surrender. The 21-year-old American raised his level in the third set, breaking Zverev late to close out the set 7-5 and inject life into the contest.

    Champion Closes Out in Style

    Any momentum Shelton gathered evaporated in the fourth set. Zverev regained his composure, breaking serve early and cruising to a 6-2 finish to clinch the title. The victory adds a second US Open trophy to Zverev’s cabinet, complementing his previous Grand Slam triumph.

  • Zverev Reflects on US Open Win: ‘It feels amazing’

    Zverev Reflects on US Open Win: ‘It feels amazing’

    Alexander Zverev described winning the US Open title as an “amazing feeling” after securing victory over Ben Shelton in the final.

    Zverev Claims US Open Championship

    The German tennis star captured the prestigious Grand Slam trophy with a decisive win against American opponent Ben Shelton. Following the match, Zverev reflected on the magnitude of the achievement, stating it was an “amazing feeling” to lift the US Open trophy.

    Final Match Overview

    Zverev’s path to the title culminated in a championship showdown against Shelton. The victory marks a significant milestone in Zverev’s career, adding a US Open crown to his resume.

    Post-Match Reaction

    Speaking after the final, Zverev emphasized the emotional weight of the moment. The champion’s comment about the “amazing feeling” of lifting the trophy underscored the personal significance of this Grand Slam breakthrough.

  • US Open 2026 Results: Alexander Zverev Turns Tears into Triumph in New York

    US Open 2026 Results: Alexander Zverev Turns Tears into Triumph in New York

    Zverev Caps Career-Best Season with US Open Triumph

    World No. 2 Alexander Zverev has completed his most successful campaign on the ATP Tour, adding a US Open title to a resume that already included a run to the Australian Open semi-finals, a Wimbledon final appearance, and a deep run at the French Open. While the German has benefited from injury absences that sidelined rivals Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz—who dominated the major landscape over the previous two seasons—analysts point to a distinctly strengthened mentality and elite physical conditioning as the primary drivers of his breakthrough.

    Peers Hail Zverev as Sport’s Premier Athlete

    Former Wimbledon champion Marion Bartoli, speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, placed Zverev at the very pinnacle of the sport’s physical hierarchy.

    “There is no-one as fit as Zverev, he is right up there,” former Wimbledon champion Marion Bartoli said on BBC Radio 5 Live.

    “You can argue about Alcaraz and Sinner, and Novak [Djokovic] and Rafa [Nadal] when they were in their prime physically, but Zverev is right up there as one of the best athletes to play the sport.”

    Early Survival Sparks Championship Run

    The path to the title was far from straightforward. Zverev was pushed to five sets in each of his opening two matches, with both contests concluding in the early hours of the New York morning. He stood just two points from a first-round exit before rallying to survive. That escape proved the catalyst for a dominant second week; from the third round onward, he did not drop a single set until the championship match.

    Composure Under Fire in the Final

    Facing a fiercely partisan crowd supporting American Ben Shelton in the final, Zverev refused to buckle. He deliberately kept his emotions in check throughout the contest. Even after dropping the third set, he never relinquished his tactical grip on the match, closing out the victory in four sets.

    Croft Describes ‘Zen-Like’ Trance State

    Former British No. 1 Annabel Croft was struck by the unusual psychological state Zverev maintained during the decisive moments.

    “I’m so admiring of his strength of character and the zen-like state he’s been in since the very beginning of the match,” said former British number one Annabel Croft. “The most extraordinary thing – and I don’t think I’ve ever witnessed it – was that he didn’t realise he had won.”

    “It was so bizarre, but it was like he was in a trance-like state while he was playing.”

  • Alexander Zverev Unaware He Won US Open Match, Extends America’s Title Drought Another Year

    Alexander Zverev Unaware He Won US Open Match, Extends America’s Title Drought Another Year

    NEW YORK — The roar inside Arthur Ashe Stadium for Ben Shelton surpassed even the cheers for New York Knicks stars Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns when they appeared on the video boards. That deafening support signaled a city fully behind the latest American hope to end a Grand Slam title drought stretching back to 2003. Yet, the crowd’s energy could not carry Shelton past Alexander Zverev, who claimed a 6-3, 7-6 (2), 5-7, 6-2 victory to secure his second major championship.

    Shelton’s Rallying Cry Met With Zverev’s Resolve

    After defeating compatriot Francis Tiafoe in the semifinals, Shelton issued a direct plea to the fans.

    “I’m going to need you guys on Sunday to bring the energy,” Shelton said on Friday night after defeating fellow American Francis Tiafoe. “I’m going for it here. I’m going to leave it all on the court. I hope you guys come and back me. Let’s do this for the USA.”

    The audience answered with fervor, but Zverev proved immovable. The German broke Shelton early and controlled the baseline exchanges. A turning point arrived in the 34th game when Shelton finally broke Zverev to take the third set, flashing the signature smile that usually masks intensity. The momentum evaporated instantly; Zverev broke back to open the fourth set and rolled through the remaining games.

    An Unusual Finish for a Grand Slam Champion

    So locked in was Zverev that he did not realize he had won the match on his serve at 5-1 in the fourth set, thinking the score was still 5-1 after a double break. The confusion provided an amusing conclusion to a tense fortnight.

    “[It] helped me,” Zverev said. “I probably would have served like three double faults instead of one. I thought the score was 5-1, I knew that I had broken twice, but yeah, it was a long match. Long two weeks.”

    The 29-year-old Zverev, long considered the best player without a major title during the dominance of the Big Three and the subsequent rise of Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz, captured his first Grand Slam at Roland-Garros earlier this year. The US Open crown confirms his arrival among the sport’s elite.

    American Men’s Grand Slam Drought Extends to 24 Years

    For American men, the wait continues. Andy Roddick’s 2003 US Open triumph remains the last time an American man hoisted a major trophy. Despite a deep talent pool, the United States has produced no male Grand Slam champion in over two decades—a puzzling drought comparable to the national team’s World Cup struggles.

    Unlike soccer’s quadrennial cycle, tennis offers four annual opportunities. The next chance arrives at the Australian Open in January. However, the path remains blocked by a formidable barrier: if Alcaraz and Sinner return to peak form and Zverev continues his ascent, the top of the game may be more impenetrable than ever. Veterans of the Federer-Nadal-Djokovic era — Mardy Fish, John Isner, Sam Querrey, James Blake — know the frustration of facing an insurmountable summit.

    Shelton’s Unconventional Rise and Uncertain Trajectory

    Ben Shelton, 23, embodies the argument that America’s best athletes often choose football or basketball. A late convert to tennis, the 6-foot-4 athlete initially eyed the gridiron. He bypassed the traditional U.S. junior development system, learning the game from his father, Bryan Shelton. His blend of raw athleticism, fluid shot-making, and magnetic charisma marks him as a potential star.

    This US Open marked Shelton’s first Grand Slam final, following semifinal runs at the 2023 US Open and 2025 Australian Open. His 2026 season has been a study in volatility, ranging from a first-round Wimbledon exit to this championship match. Whether this experience propels him forward or precedes another regression will begin to unfold in Melbourne.

    Roddick Refuses to Celebrate the Dubious Distinction

    Andy Roddick, the last American man to win a major, has no interest in preserving his place in the record books.

    “At this point, I hate talking about it,” he said on his “Served” podcast last year. “I get asked about it all the time. I’m not the ’72 Dolphins. I don’t pop champagne when someone’s perfect season is gone. I want this so much, probably more than anyone outside the people who are going to end up winning it.”

    In Formula 1, another global sport where American drivers have struggled to dominate, there is a saying: catching the leader is one thing; passing them is another. For years, American men could not even catch the leaders. Shelton has finally closed the gap. The next challenge is learning how to overtake them.

    Yahoo Sports’ Jack Baer contributed to this report.

  • All the celebrities at the US Open finals: Brad Pitt, Martha Stewart, Courteney Cox and more

    All the celebrities at the US Open finals: Brad Pitt, Martha Stewart, Courteney Cox and more

    Stars Flock to US Open Final as Ben Shelton Faces Alexander Zverev

    On the final day of the US Open, a parade of A-list celebrities has gathered at Arthur Ashe Stadium to witness the men’s singles championship showdown between American rising star Ben Shelton and German veteran Alexander Zverev.

    The highly anticipated match marks the culmination of two weeks of intense competition at Flushing Meadows, with both players seeking their first US Open title. Shelton, known for his powerful left-handed serve and explosive athleticism, has captivated the home crowd throughout the tournament. Zverev, a former world No. 2 and Olympic gold medalist, brings extensive Grand Slam final experience to the court.

    Celebrity attendees include actors, musicians, and sports icons, adding to the electric atmosphere surrounding one of tennis’s biggest stages. The final promises a clash of styles: Shelton’s aggressive baseline play and net-rushing against Zverev’s consistent heavy hitting and tactical prowess.

  • Historic Ben Shelton US Open Victory Over Frances Tiafoe Wrapped in Controversy

    Historic Ben Shelton US Open Victory Over Frances Tiafoe Wrapped in Controversy

    Ben Shelton Reaches First Grand Slam Final at US Open, Defeats Frances Tiafoe

    Ben Shelton secured his maiden Grand Slam final appearance with a 4-6, 6-3, 6-3, 7-5 victory over fellow American Frances Tiafoe at Arthur Ashe Stadium. The 23-year-old recovered from dropping the opening set to gradually seize control, leveraging his powerful serve and aggressive baseline play to break down Tiafoe. With the win, Shelton becomes the first Black American man to reach the US Open final since Arthur Ashe accomplished the feat in 1972.

    Dominant Serving Performance Powers Shelton Past Tiafoe

    Shelton finished the semifinal clash with 20 aces and landed 75 percent of his first serves. One delivery briefly flashed at 158 mph on the stadium speed gun before commentators clarified the actual reading was 144 mph. The serving display proved decisive as Shelton consistently pressured the Tiafoe return game, particularly in the middle two sets where he won 12 of 13 service games.

    Trinity Rodman Supports Shelton From Player Box

    USWNT star Trinity Rodman, Shelton’s girlfriend, has been a visible presence throughout his tournament run. She attended multiple matches courtside, notably wearing an “I heart my boyfriend” shirt during an earlier round. Rodman was again in the player box for the semifinal victory, celebrating the biggest win of Shelton’s career to date.

    Tense Moments and Shot Clock Disputes

    The semifinal grew increasingly tense during the third set when Shelton questioned why Tiafoe had not been penalized despite the serve clock apparently reaching zero on three successive points. Shelton’s frustration carried into the fourth set before Tiafoe was eventually issued a time violation warning at 2-2.

    Another dispute erupted when Tiafoe requested time before a Shelton serve. The request was not immediately acknowledged by the chair umpire, who subsequently ordered the point to be replayed.

    “Why did you not say something then?” Shelton protested. “You gotta say something immediately.”

    Shelton won the replayed point and held serve, refusing to let the controversy derail his momentum toward the championship match.

    Emotional Tribute to Family and Rivalry

    Tiafoe’s disappointment was evident after the defeat, but Shelton immediately acknowledged the deep bond between the two Americans.

    “He’s like a big brother to me, to be honest,” Shelton said. “This is both our favorite tournament in the world, our favorite court in the world.”

    Shelton then paid an emotional tribute to his family after completing the most significant run of his young career.

    “My dad, my mom have sacrificed a lot for me to be in this position today,” he said. “My dad lost his mom earlier this year, and she’s the reason that he was able to play tennis. Without her, there’s no Ben Shelton standing here today. So this one is for her.”

    Championship Match Against Alexander Zverev

    With Rodman among his dedicated support team, Shelton will now face Alexander Zverev in the final with a first Grand Slam title on the line. The matchup pits Shelton’s explosive power game against Zverev’s elite movement and baseline consistency, setting the stage for a compelling conclusion to the US Open men’s singles draw.

  • Carlos Alcaraz Waves Off Cameraman After Feeling Urge to Vomit Into Towel

    Carlos Alcaraz Waves Off Cameraman After Feeling Urge to Vomit Into Towel

    Carlos Alcaraz demonstrated remarkable resilience during his US Open return after nearly five months sidelined by a right wrist injury, pushing Ben Shelton to the limit in a historic, grueling encounter. Despite the Spaniard’s valiant effort, the American prevailed in a match that rewrote the tournament record books.

    Record-Breaking Marathon Ends After 3 a.m.

    The quarterfinal clash lasted 4 hours and 28 minutes, establishing a new benchmark for the longest match in US Open history. Play concluded in the early hours of the morning in New York, with both competitors visibly exhausted by the extreme physical demands.

    Alcaraz Battles Physical Distress On Court

    The toll on Alcaraz became strikingly apparent during the fourth set. The Spaniard vomited twice into a towel, a moment that underscored the severe physiological strain. Notably, he managed to signal to a courtside cameraman to move away before becoming ill, even appearing to alert the chair umpire to his need for space, though the broadcast still captured the scene.

    Medical experts note that on-court vomiting is a stark indicator of the body reaching its breaking point, essentially signaling the athlete to stop. Alcaraz, however, refused to yield.

    Fighting Spirit Forces Deciding Tiebreak

    Displaying immense mental fortitude, Alcaraz rallied from fatigue to force a tiebreak when his body language suggested he was spent. The final set remained tightly contested, with both players holding serve until a super tiebreak decided the outcome. Alcaraz saved three critical break points that would have allowed Shelton to serve for the match at 5-3, extending the drama until the very last point.

    Grace in Defeat and a Look Ahead

    At the net, Alcaraz congratulated his opponent, telling him he deserved the victory. In his post-match assessment, the Spaniard expressed pride in his performance level after such a prolonged absence from competition.

    The result guarantees an American finalist on Sunday. Ben Shelton will face compatriot Frances Tiafoe on Friday for a place in the championship match.

  • Ben Shelton forgets Trinity Rodman in his US Open shout-out

    Ben Shelton forgets Trinity Rodman in his US Open shout-out

    Ben Shelton Stuns Carlos Alcaraz in Late-Night US Open Marathon to Reach Semifinals

    Ben Shelton defeated Carlos Alcaraz in a grueling five-set thriller at the US Open, clinching match point at 3:33 a.m. to secure his second career semifinal appearance at Flushing Meadows. The late-night finish capped a dramatic quarterfinal clash that stretched deep into the early morning hours.

    Shelton Thanks Fans, Family—But Forgets Girlfriend Trinity Rodman

    During his on-court interview after the victory, Shelton thanked the crowd for staying up to witness the finish. He gave a special shout-out to his sister and best friend, noting they had to report for work at 6 a.m. and playfully urging their employers to give them the day off.

    Noticeably absent from his list of acknowledgments was his girlfriend, soccer star Trinity Rodman, who was sitting in the player’s box. Cameras caught Rodman’s reaction as she realized she had been omitted, delivering a perfect “What about me?” expression that instantly went viral on social media.

    Rodman’s Reaction Steals the Post-Match Spotlight

    Rodman’s visible surprise quickly became one of the most talked-about moments of the night. The NWSL standout and USWNT forward was in attendance to support Shelton, and her candid response added a lighthearted human element to the intense athletic achievement.

    Shelton Advances to Face Next Opponent in Semifinals

    With the win, the 21-year-old American moves on to the semifinals, where he will look to continue his deep run at his home Grand Slam. The victory over Alcaraz, a two-time major champion, marks the biggest win of Shelton’s young career and signals his arrival as a legitimate contender on the sport’s biggest stages.

  • Why Ben Shelton and Trinity Rodman’s Relationship Wins All the Points

    Why Ben Shelton and Trinity Rodman’s Relationship Wins All the Points

    Whether she wins or loses, Trinity Rodman has been showing her support for Ben Shelton all summer.

    Only a couple of world-class athletes could say they wished their demanding schedules kept them apart more often.

    Source: www.eonline.com