Zverev turns US Open tears into triumph

Alexander Zverev, a German tennis player, has turned the tears of his US Open loss to Dominic Thiem in 2020 into triumph. This time, it was American Ben Shelton and the 24,000-strong crowd that stood in Zverev's way, but the 29-year-old Grand Slam champion was not whipped by the pressure. Zverev, now a winner of the French Open, did not initially realize he had sealed a 6-3 7-6 (7-2) 5-7 6-2 victory, breaking into a wide smile upon being informed by his team.

His transformation from struggling to walk to lifting the trophy marks a transformational year for the world number two. Zverev attributes his success to his strengthened mentality, dedication to fitness, and support from his mother, who encouraged him not to let doctors' predictions of a limited life for a child with type 1 diabetes deter him.

Zverev's serve was crucial against Shelton, with him winning 39 of 42 points behind his first serve in the first two sets. Despite losing the third set and not realizing he had won, Zverev maintained his composure and focus, earning admiration for his strength of character.