ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT

Top seed Alexander Zverev squandered a two-set lead in the 2020 title match against Austrian Dominic Thiem but now, armed with a champion’s mentality following his breakthrough triumph at Roland Garros in June, he broke American hearts with a devastating display against Shelton.

The German banished bitter U.S. Open memories to beat American Ben Shelton 6-3, 7-6 (7-2), 5-7, 6-2 in the final on Sunday, capturing the title six years after letting a golden opportunity slip through his fingers

The home fans were desperate to see Shelton end a 23-year American men’s Grand Slam drought, but the eighth seed never found his top form in his first major final.

“I know that today 99.9% of the people wanted Ben to win, so I’m very sorry,” said Zverev. “Even though I know that the crowd was against me, the crowd was always incredibly fair, and we as players we appreciate it.

“I think God has seen how hard we worked, how much we suffered, how much pain we went through, and I think 2026 is the outcome of all the years that happened before,” Zverev said during the presentation ceremony.

Zverev was so focused on the job at hand, he did not even realize he had won the title when Shelton smacked a service return long.

As the umpire announced “game, set and match Zverev,’ the German headed back to the baseline, ready to receive Shelton’s serve.

It took him a few seconds to register why the cheering fans were giving him a standing ovation — as he belatedly cracked a smile and ran to the net to embrace Shelton.

He was beaming again as he was handed a Grand Slam record $5.5 million winner’s prize.

In a battle between two of tennis’ most explosive players, it was Zverev who had all the early firepower, as Shelton’s inexperience showed with a double fault on break point in the opening game.

Shelton produced one of the points of the match in the sixth game, scrambling to reach a drop shot and prevailing in a tense exchange at the net.

Encouraged by his team, the American mixed in serve-and-volley tactics in an attempt to shift the momentum, but the move proved ineffective, and he handed Zverev the set with a double fault.

The partisan crowd tried to get under Zverev’s skin in the second set, cheering wildly after he produced a double fault in the ninth game. But the German refused to get distracted, surging to a 5-0 lead in the tiebreak as the fans desperately chanted “Let’s go, Ben!”

Zverev looked like he would roll to the finish line in the third set as he saved a break point in the sixth game with a lethal backhand winner.

Shelton’s frustration boiled over two games later when he slipped and crashed to the court, prompting the American to let out an expletive.

But Shelton dug in his heels, subduing his opponent with a series of powerful groundstrokes from the baseline to break serve and force a fourth set.

Shelton’s resilience only delayed the inevitable as Zverev came through a 25-shot rally to secure an early break in the deciding set. He never let go of that advantage as he finally got the chance to hoist the U.S. Open trophy on his 11th appearance at the hardcourt major.

“My successes are a gift, the failures are a gift and being here playing in front of you guys is a gift,” said Shelton, the first Black American man in 54 years to play in the U.S. Open final after Arthur Ashe.

The victory marked another step in Zverev’s efforts to move beyond a series of painful Grand Slam disappointments. The German’s career has also been overshadowed by off-court allegations of domestic violence, which he has repeatedly denied.

“We went 30 years without winning a Slam title and now won two in the span of three months,” he said.

ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT

Erling Haaland delivered another decisive performance for Manchester City as they defeated Manchester United 1-0 at Old Trafford in the Premier League.

Haaland proved to be the difference between the two sides, scoring the only goal of the Manchester derby in the second half. The Norwegian striker reacted quickest inside the penalty area and finished after a deflected delivery found its way towards him.

The goal came after Manchester City had been reduced to 10 men following Phil Foden’s straight red card in the first half. Despite being a player down, City remained disciplined and eventually found the breakthrough through their prolific striker.

Haaland continued to cause problems for the Manchester United defence throughout the match with his movement and physical presence. His ability to remain dangerous even when City were playing with fewer players highlighted his importance to Enzo Maresca’s side.

The 1-0 victory also maintained Manchester City’s perfect start to the Premier League campaign, with the club winning all four of their opening matches.

Haaland’s contribution was therefore crucial to City securing another three points in a difficult away fixture. However, it is worth noting that available match reports list Elliot Anderson as the official Player of the Match, while Haaland was the decisive goalscorer and standout attacking figure.

ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT

Nigeria international defender Calvin Bassey has described captaining Fulham as a “privilege” after taking on the leadership role following an injury to regular club captain Tom Cairney.

Bassey has worn the captain’s armband in Fulham’s opening three Premier League fixtures, assuming greater responsibility as he begins his fourth season with the West London club.

The 25-year-old said he was honoured to lead the side and credited his experience at the club for making the transition easier.

“It’s a privilege. Being able to captain this club is unbelievable,” Bassey told Fulham’s official media team.

“Going into my fourth season, I know the boys and get on with everyone, so I just be myself and try to help everyone.

“Leading comes naturally because of the position I play, being able to see everything and having to communicate as a centre-half.”

Bassey also explained that the captaincy had not changed his personality or approach to leadership, saying he preferred to remain calm and positive rather than confront teammates immediately after difficult matches.

“Nah, not really, that’s not me! I’m more chill,” he said.

“Before the game, I’m just happy, smiling as always. I just want everyone to go in with good energy.”

The defender added that he understood the frustration players could feel after disappointing results and believed it was sometimes better to allow emotions to settle before discussing mistakes.

“I know everyone goes out there and gives 100 per cent, and sometimes we’re just not able to win,” he said.

“I know they’re frustrated, I’m frustrated, but I think sometimes it’s best just to leave people be and then speak about it later.”