Alexander Zverev shows true colours with gesture to Ben Shelton's family

Alexander Zverev's gesture to Ben Shelton's father immediately after winning the US Open speaks volumes of the new champion. The German star capped off a remarkable 2026 campaign by adding to his French Open title, having entered the year without a Grand Slam to his name.

He needed four sets to quiet the New York crowd, proudly supporting their American favourite in Shelton. Zverev struggled through the opening rounds of the competition but grew into the Major and after putting away Karen Khachanov in the semi-final, next turned his attention to an impressive win over Shelton.

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Despite occasional flickers of nerves, the 29-year-old looked composed against Shelton and ultimately sealed his second Grand Slam crown of the year.

Wasting no time in paying tribute to his opponent, Zverev warmly embraced Shelton's father and coach, Bryan, immediately after securing the US Open title.

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The German also made a bold prediction about Shelton's future prospects, declaring that the American would one day lift the trophy himself.

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"Ben, you're an incredible player and person," Zverev said.

"It's your first Grand Slam final, but I already told you you're gonna be back here many more times. If I had to bet my money on it, I'd bet that you would lift this trophy one day."

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Shelton also demonstrated considerable grace in defeat, acknowledging that Zverev had outplayed him and highlighting the German's standing as the ATP Tour's top-ranked player this year.

"Sascha, congrats on these two weeks, man. Your second Grand Slam title. Two in one year," Shelton said.

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Bryan, meanwhile, had previously voiced his irritation with Zverev's serve routine during the final, which had become a significant talking point throughout the fortnight.

Following Shelton's defeat in the opening set, ESPN asked Bryan what his son needed to stage a fightback in the second. "I think just little things. You know, Ben was pressing a little bit with the serve. Just got to relax on that a little bit more and hit his targets," he said.

"Obviously, the kick out to Sasha's forehand can be effective. He's just got to use that a little bit more and then just get used to the rhythm of returning.

"You know, Sasha bounces the ball so many times it just kind of puts you off.. But, you know, we've had a set of that now. So I think Ben will relax, find his rhythm there, and play with a little more shape on his backhand side, where he's made some net errors. But just relax a little bit more and get forward when he gets an opportunity besides playing better."

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