{
  "id": 7238470,
  "title": "Alexander Zverev banishes US Open ghosts to triumph over Ben Shelton in final",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/14/alexander-zverev-banishes-us-open-ghosts-to-triumph-over-ben-shelton",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-14T03:47:48.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The National UAE",
    "slug": "the-national-uae",
    "url": "https://www.thenationalnews.com/sport/tennis/2026/09/14/alexander-zverev-banishes-us-open-ghosts-to-triumph-over-ben-shelton-in-final/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Alexander Zverev secured the US Open title on Sunday, defying his past US Open ghosts with a decisive victory over Ben Shelton in the final. This triumph marks a remarkable Grand Slam redemption for the German, who had previously lost the 2020 final to Dominic Thiem after squandering a two-set lead. Zverev's journey to the title has been fueled by the resilience and belief he gained from his breakthrough victory at Roland Garros in June. The top seed displayed remarkable composure throughout the tense match, outlasting the relentless pressure from a passionate crowd eager to crown Shelton as the first American men's Grand Slam champion in 23 years. Zverev's initial shock at the final moment of the match, following Shelton's service return error on match point, only added to the emotional weight of his triumph. As he embraced Shelton, Zverev acknowledged the years of hard work and pain that led to this momentous victory. The German went on to claim a $5.5 million winner's prize, celebrating his Grand Slam record-breaking achievement. Shelton, the eighth-seeded American and the first black man to reach the US Open final since Arthur Ashe in 54 years, expressed his disappointment but recognized the fairness of the crowd's support. For both players, this final represented more than just a tennis match – it was a poignant moment of closure and a testament to their resilience and dedication to the sport.",
  "summary": "Alexander Zverev banished one of the most painful chapters of his career on Sunday as he defeated Ben Shelton 6-3, 7-6, 5-7, 6-2 to win the US Open title and complete a remarkable Grand Slam redemption story. Six years after squandering a two-set lead against Dominic Thiem in the 2020 final, Zverev finally lifted the trophy that had eluded him for so long, drawing on the belief and resilience he…",
  "key_points": [
    "Zverev wins US Open title, overcoming past US Open ghosts",
    "Defeats Ben Shelton 4-6, 7-6(4), 6-3, 6-4 in final",
    "German claims $5.5M prize, sets Grand Slam record"
  ],
  "editors_take": "This US Open title cements Alexander Zverev's Grand Slam redemption, silencing his past disappointments and validating the resilience that fueled his recent breakthrough victories.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "The National Business",
        "title": "Alexander Zverev banishes US Open ghosts to triumph over Ben Shelton in final",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/14/alexander-zverev-banishes-us-open-ghosts-to-triumph-over-ben-shelton-7239404",
        "published": "2026-09-14T03:47:48.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}