20 days ago
Alexander Zverev has continued a long-running theme in men's tennis by emerging victorious at the US Open.
Zverev edged out Ben Shelton in the final of the hard-court Grand Slam in New York, winning their clash in five sets.
And with his impressive US Open run, the German has just completed a clean sweep for European players in the 2026 men's Grand Slam season.
He also won the French Open, while his fellow Europeans Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner won the Australian Open and Wimbledon respectively.
In fact, the ATP records must go back a full 17 years to find the last Grand Slam champion who wasn't born in Europe; Juan Martin del Potro.
#alexander #german #french
Zverev edged out Ben Shelton in the final of the hard-court Grand Slam in New York, winning their clash in five sets.
And with his impressive US Open run, the German has just completed a clean sweep for European players in the 2026 men's Grand Slam season.
He also won the French Open, while his fellow Europeans Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner won the Australian Open and Wimbledon respectively.
In fact, the ATP records must go back a full 17 years to find the last Grand Slam champion who wasn't born in Europe; Juan Martin del Potro.
#alexander #german #french
20 days ago
Ben Shelton's run at the 2026 US Open was filled with highlights, including his epic five set win over Carlos Alcaraz in the quarterfinals.
However, in the US Open final against Alexander Zverev, tennis fans are wondering about a decision he made and if it ultimately derailed his chance to win the ******* le.
MORE: Tennis season not over after 2026 US Open, tournaments continue through November
The American won the coin toss. He decided to serve first. In a normal match, this is an excellent decision because Shelton's serve is among the best on the ATP Tour.
September 13, 2026; New York, United States; Ben Shelton of the U.S. serves during his men's singles final match against Germany's Alexander Zverev. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images
#tennis #final #match #carlos
However, in the US Open final against Alexander Zverev, tennis fans are wondering about a decision he made and if it ultimately derailed his chance to win the ******* le.
MORE: Tennis season not over after 2026 US Open, tournaments continue through November
The American won the coin toss. He decided to serve first. In a normal match, this is an excellent decision because Shelton's serve is among the best on the ATP Tour.
September 13, 2026; New York, United States; Ben Shelton of the U.S. serves during his men's singles final match against Germany's Alexander Zverev. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images
#tennis #final #match #carlos
20 days ago
Brad Pitt and Ines de Ramon had an almost-encounter with an ex. The couple attended the US Open finals and almost crossed paths with Ines de Ramon's ex-husband, Paul Wesley, and his new wife.
Ines de Ramon and Brad Pitt attend the men's final on day fifteen of the 2026 US Open (@ GC Images)
Pitt and de Ramon attended the US Open over the weekend, watching the final matches for the men's and women's tournaments. On Sunday, the pair watched Ben Shelton and Alexander Zverev. The match was also attended by Paul Wesley and his wife, Natalie Kuckenburg.
Pitt and de Ramon were photographed in the stands, with Pitt wearing a blue ***** on-up, a matching cap, and some sunglasses. De Ramon opted for an elaborate and lacy blouse, with her hair held back in a low ponytail. They looked happy and comfortable with each other, with him kissing her cheek at one point.
Paul Wesley and Natalie Kuckenburg in the stands at the 2026 US Open (@ USTA via Getty Images)
#ramon
Ines de Ramon and Brad Pitt attend the men's final on day fifteen of the 2026 US Open (@ GC Images)
Pitt and de Ramon attended the US Open over the weekend, watching the final matches for the men's and women's tournaments. On Sunday, the pair watched Ben Shelton and Alexander Zverev. The match was also attended by Paul Wesley and his wife, Natalie Kuckenburg.
Pitt and de Ramon were photographed in the stands, with Pitt wearing a blue ***** on-up, a matching cap, and some sunglasses. De Ramon opted for an elaborate and lacy blouse, with her hair held back in a low ponytail. They looked happy and comfortable with each other, with him kissing her cheek at one point.
Paul Wesley and Natalie Kuckenburg in the stands at the 2026 US Open (@ USTA via Getty Images)
#ramon
20 days ago
Brad Pitt and Ines de Ramon attended the women's and men's singles finals at the US Open in New York City on Sept. 12 and 13
Earlier this summer, the couple was also seen at a FIFA World Cup match in Los Angeles, and they stepped out for Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce's N.Y.C. wedding
Pitt's next movie, Heart of the Beast, is in theaters Sept. 25, and he also stars in The Further Mis-Adventures of Cliff Booth, which is in IMAX theaters Nov. 25 and releases on Netflix Dec. 23
Brad Pitt and Ines de Ramon are wrapping up their summer by taking in the country's top tennis competition.
Pitt, 62, and de Ramon, 33, attended the US Open men's singles tournament final on Sunday, Sept. 13, and were on hand to watch Germany's Alexander Zverev beat young American star Ben Shelton in four sets. (Kazakhstan's Elena Rybakina defeated Belarus' Aryna Sabalenka in three sets on Saturday, Sept. 12, to win the women's singles trophy, which Pitt and de Ramon also attended.). The actor, who wore a navy blue ***** on-down shirt with matching pants and a backwards ball cap, was seen holding de Ramon's knee as the two looked on intently during the match.
#sept #singles #brad #seen
Earlier this summer, the couple was also seen at a FIFA World Cup match in Los Angeles, and they stepped out for Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce's N.Y.C. wedding
Pitt's next movie, Heart of the Beast, is in theaters Sept. 25, and he also stars in The Further Mis-Adventures of Cliff Booth, which is in IMAX theaters Nov. 25 and releases on Netflix Dec. 23
Brad Pitt and Ines de Ramon are wrapping up their summer by taking in the country's top tennis competition.
Pitt, 62, and de Ramon, 33, attended the US Open men's singles tournament final on Sunday, Sept. 13, and were on hand to watch Germany's Alexander Zverev beat young American star Ben Shelton in four sets. (Kazakhstan's Elena Rybakina defeated Belarus' Aryna Sabalenka in three sets on Saturday, Sept. 12, to win the women's singles trophy, which Pitt and de Ramon also attended.). The actor, who wore a navy blue ***** on-down shirt with matching pants and a backwards ball cap, was seen holding de Ramon's knee as the two looked on intently during the match.
#sept #singles #brad #seen
20 days ago
NEW YORK — Forget the Honey Deuces and the celebrities-in-the-audience shots. The finest element of the U.S. Open — the Grand Slam held in the largest tennis stadium in the world — will always be the tennis itself. The trick, in 2026 and beyond, is how to get audiences to actually care about, you know, that tennis.
Ben Shelton and Alexander Zverev did their very best on Sunday, bringing both narrative and firepower to the four-set men's final. Yes, the influencers were posing at every aisle on every changeover, and more than a few fans appeared unclear on the basic concept of "sit your ******* down while the point is going on." But when Shelton and Zverev locked in, unleashing serves that nearly hit 150 mph or lashing shots that skipped a fingernail's width in bounds, the crowd was right there with them, rising and falling, a living thing that pulsed with energy unlike any other stadium in tennis.
Less than 24 hours earlier on the same court, Elena Rybakina finished off Aryna Sabalenka in a three-set triumph of resolve and willpower over emotion and firepower. Sabalenka, who had won the previous two Opens, entered as the crowd favorite. But the fans in the stands at Arthur Ashe love hard-fought on-court battles as much as they love the endless scroll of celebrity cameos on the video boards. So after a couple dozen Hollywood and music stars took their turns to varying volumes of applause, the crowd focused in on the match. Sabalenka drew motivational cheers, and then, once the result was clear, Rybakina inspired celebratory ones.
The two matches ended this year's U.S. Open on a triumphant note. At last, the tennis tournament centered on actual tennis, not ticket prices or runway-style entrances to Arthur Ashe Stadium or hundred-dollar chicken nuggets. (Yes, I admit it, I was part of the problem with that last one.)
The influencers' presence dominated the early coverage of the U.S. Open, in large part because they did their job of drawing attention to themselves. But by the time the tournament reached its final crescendo, the influencers had moved on. Two hours before the men's final, the cheapest tickets to get in the stadium could be had for less than $400, suggesting that tennis for tennis' sake isn't the primary motivator for many attending the U.S. Open.
#crowd #shelton
Ben Shelton and Alexander Zverev did their very best on Sunday, bringing both narrative and firepower to the four-set men's final. Yes, the influencers were posing at every aisle on every changeover, and more than a few fans appeared unclear on the basic concept of "sit your ******* down while the point is going on." But when Shelton and Zverev locked in, unleashing serves that nearly hit 150 mph or lashing shots that skipped a fingernail's width in bounds, the crowd was right there with them, rising and falling, a living thing that pulsed with energy unlike any other stadium in tennis.
Less than 24 hours earlier on the same court, Elena Rybakina finished off Aryna Sabalenka in a three-set triumph of resolve and willpower over emotion and firepower. Sabalenka, who had won the previous two Opens, entered as the crowd favorite. But the fans in the stands at Arthur Ashe love hard-fought on-court battles as much as they love the endless scroll of celebrity cameos on the video boards. So after a couple dozen Hollywood and music stars took their turns to varying volumes of applause, the crowd focused in on the match. Sabalenka drew motivational cheers, and then, once the result was clear, Rybakina inspired celebratory ones.
The two matches ended this year's U.S. Open on a triumphant note. At last, the tennis tournament centered on actual tennis, not ticket prices or runway-style entrances to Arthur Ashe Stadium or hundred-dollar chicken nuggets. (Yes, I admit it, I was part of the problem with that last one.)
The influencers' presence dominated the early coverage of the U.S. Open, in large part because they did their job of drawing attention to themselves. But by the time the tournament reached its final crescendo, the influencers had moved on. Two hours before the men's final, the cheapest tickets to get in the stadium could be had for less than $400, suggesting that tennis for tennis' sake isn't the primary motivator for many attending the U.S. Open.
#crowd #shelton
21 days ago
What time is US Open 2026 men's final? Ben Shelton vs. Alexander Zverev TV schedule and live stream details for Sunday start originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The 2026 US Open will soon come to a close, but not without a thrilling men's final between Ben Shelton and Alexander Zverev on Sunday.
Ben Shelton is heading into his first-ever US Open final, and the 23-year-old has definitely earned his way. Shelton battled through each round of the tournament, even defeating global star Carlos Alcaraz in a tiebreaker fifth set during the quarterfinals. He then knocked off long time friend Frances Tiafoe to secure a spot in the final.
With more high-stakes experience, Zverev might have a bit of an edge in this matchup. Across five previous meetings between the two, Zverev has won every single one. He's also been peaking at an opportune time in the US Open, winning his last four matches without dropping a single set.
Who will claim the ultimate honors in Flushing Meadows?
#time #sunday
The 2026 US Open will soon come to a close, but not without a thrilling men's final between Ben Shelton and Alexander Zverev on Sunday.
Ben Shelton is heading into his first-ever US Open final, and the 23-year-old has definitely earned his way. Shelton battled through each round of the tournament, even defeating global star Carlos Alcaraz in a tiebreaker fifth set during the quarterfinals. He then knocked off long time friend Frances Tiafoe to secure a spot in the final.
With more high-stakes experience, Zverev might have a bit of an edge in this matchup. Across five previous meetings between the two, Zverev has won every single one. He's also been peaking at an opportune time in the US Open, winning his last four matches without dropping a single set.
Who will claim the ultimate honors in Flushing Meadows?
#time #sunday
22 days ago
The men's singles final at the 2026 US Open takes place on Sunday - and there is comprehensive coverage across the BBC.
Elena Rybakina claimed the women's ***** le with a brilliant 6-4 5-7 6-2 win over two-time defending champion Aryna Sabalenka on Saturday.
On the final day in New York, Ben Shelton will look to end America's long wait for a men's singles champion as he takes on French Open winner Alexander Zverev.
BBC Sport will have live text coverage of the final, with radio commentary on BBC Radio 5 Live and BBC Sounds.
Rybakina wins US Open to inflict further pain on Sabalenka
#rybakina #singles #takes
Elena Rybakina claimed the women's ***** le with a brilliant 6-4 5-7 6-2 win over two-time defending champion Aryna Sabalenka on Saturday.
On the final day in New York, Ben Shelton will look to end America's long wait for a men's singles champion as he takes on French Open winner Alexander Zverev.
BBC Sport will have live text coverage of the final, with radio commentary on BBC Radio 5 Live and BBC Sounds.
Rybakina wins US Open to inflict further pain on Sabalenka
#rybakina #singles #takes
22 days ago
Frances Tiafoe and Ben Shelton faced off in the U.S. Open semifinals aiming to end a long drought for American men in Grand Slam tournaments, with Shelton winning in four sets. Andy Roddick was the last U.S. man to win a major — in 2003. Since then European players have dominated. Juan Martín del Potro, the last non-European champion, believes American tennis has the potential to break this pattern. Del Potro is now an ******* yst for ESPN Latin America and has shared insights on his career and offered advice to Carlos Alcaraz on managing injuries. Del Potro retired in 2022 after multiple surgeries.
Ninety Grand Slam tournaments have passed since Andy Roddick defeated Juan Carlos Ferrero in the 2003 final at Flushing Meadows. Since then, no other U.S. male player has managed to win the U.S. Open on home soil or any of the other three majors.
[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]
Apart from Argentina's Juan Martín del Potro at the 2009 U.S. Open and his compatriot Gastón Gaudio at the 2004 French Open, every champion across the world's four major tournaments has been European.
On Friday night, Ben Shelton won in four sets the all-American U.S. Open semifinal with Frances Tiafoe and now will attempt to end the long wait for another men's Grand Slam champion from the United States. Shelton will play Alexander Zverev in the final.
#grand
Ninety Grand Slam tournaments have passed since Andy Roddick defeated Juan Carlos Ferrero in the 2003 final at Flushing Meadows. Since then, no other U.S. male player has managed to win the U.S. Open on home soil or any of the other three majors.
[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]
Apart from Argentina's Juan Martín del Potro at the 2009 U.S. Open and his compatriot Gastón Gaudio at the 2004 French Open, every champion across the world's four major tournaments has been European.
On Friday night, Ben Shelton won in four sets the all-American U.S. Open semifinal with Frances Tiafoe and now will attempt to end the long wait for another men's Grand Slam champion from the United States. Shelton will play Alexander Zverev in the final.
#grand
22 days ago
The 2026 US Open has set up an exciting men's singles final at Arthur Ashe Stadium on Sunday. World No. 2 Alexander Zverev will face 23-year-old Ben Shelton for the final Grand Slam ****** le of the season.
However, after his semifinal win over Karen Khachanov, Zverev's on-court antics before the serve became a talking point, with Khachanov making it clear that some of them did not sit well with him.
Zverev's habit of bouncing the ball several times before serving has raised eyebrows during recent tournaments. Broadcasters have even started tracking how many times Zverev bounces the ball before serving, turning the habit into a running joke online.
However, it's not fun for the opponents who wait to receive. After the semifinal loss, Khachanov explained how Zverev's repeated ball bouncing can affect the other player's physical and mental preparation.
"His ball-bouncing before the serve bothers a lot of players," Khachanov said. "He takes a long time. You prepare yourself, then he bounces the ball another 12 times, so you have to prepare and split-step again almost every point."
#times #however #final #serve
However, after his semifinal win over Karen Khachanov, Zverev's on-court antics before the serve became a talking point, with Khachanov making it clear that some of them did not sit well with him.
Zverev's habit of bouncing the ball several times before serving has raised eyebrows during recent tournaments. Broadcasters have even started tracking how many times Zverev bounces the ball before serving, turning the habit into a running joke online.
However, it's not fun for the opponents who wait to receive. After the semifinal loss, Khachanov explained how Zverev's repeated ball bouncing can affect the other player's physical and mental preparation.
"His ball-bouncing before the serve bothers a lot of players," Khachanov said. "He takes a long time. You prepare yourself, then he bounces the ball another 12 times, so you have to prepare and split-step again almost every point."
#times #however #final #serve
22 days ago
Update morning 9/12: Ben Shelton outlasted fellow American Frances Tiafoe in the all-American semifinal to set up a dramatic men's final vs. top-seeded German Alexander Zverev on Sunday afternoon. Zverev has had quite an easy draw to the final, and he'll be the favorite to win his second major this year. Shelton's big serve will test him, and it will be on Shelton to hit competitive backhands to match strokes with Zverev, who also won the French Open. Meanwhile, the women's final between No. 1 seed Aryna Sabalenka vs. No. 2 seed Elena Rybakina should be a banger, and that kicks off in just a few hours.
Update late night 9/10: It will be No. 1 seed Aryna Sabalenka vs. No. 2 seed Elena Rybakina for the women's ****** le at the 2026 US Open on Saturday afternoon. The men take the spotlight on Friday with an all-American semifinal between Ben Shelton and Frances Tiafoe, plus No. 1 seed Alexander Zverev vs. unseeded Karen Khachanov.
The 2026 US Open is down to the Final Four, and both the men's and women's draws have produced some fantastic matchups. It's been 23 years since an American man won a tennis Grand Slam, but there are two U.S. natives facing off against each other in the semifinals — on the 25th anniversary of 9/11, no less. The women's draw went straight chalk with the top four seeds advancing to the semis, promising to bring fans the highest level of tennis possible.
The women's semifinals both take place on Thursday, September 10. Top-seeded masher Aryna Sabalenka takes on American No. 3 seed Jessica Pegula to open play at 7 p.m. ET at Arthur Ashe. Sabalenka looked to be on the brink of a meltdown in the quarterfinals against Wimbledon champ Linda Nosková, but she dug deep to win the match and stay alive. Sabalenka is the biggest hitter on tour, but she's been in a slump in 2026 without a major championship. She has already lost her world No. 1 ranking after the tournament, but she won't care if she can win her fifth major and third straight US Open ****** le. The 32-year-old Pegula is enjoying a late career peak, and she's still chasing her first Grand Slam. Pegula's steady nature could be an advantage against the more emotional Sabalenka.
Elena Rybakina faces American Coco Gauff in the night cap. Rybakina is the No. 2 seed in this tournament, but she will surpass Sabalenka for the world No. 1 ranking when it's over regardless of what happens. At 27, Rybakina is the second-oldest woman to ever ascend to world No. 1 in the rankings for the first time. Gauff will be the fan favorite. She was not at her top level in her quarterfinal victory over Mirra Andreeva, but she still got the job done to advance. Gauff beat Sabalenka in the 2023 US Open final and the 2025 French Open final. She's seeking her third major at age-22.
#final
Update late night 9/10: It will be No. 1 seed Aryna Sabalenka vs. No. 2 seed Elena Rybakina for the women's ****** le at the 2026 US Open on Saturday afternoon. The men take the spotlight on Friday with an all-American semifinal between Ben Shelton and Frances Tiafoe, plus No. 1 seed Alexander Zverev vs. unseeded Karen Khachanov.
The 2026 US Open is down to the Final Four, and both the men's and women's draws have produced some fantastic matchups. It's been 23 years since an American man won a tennis Grand Slam, but there are two U.S. natives facing off against each other in the semifinals — on the 25th anniversary of 9/11, no less. The women's draw went straight chalk with the top four seeds advancing to the semis, promising to bring fans the highest level of tennis possible.
The women's semifinals both take place on Thursday, September 10. Top-seeded masher Aryna Sabalenka takes on American No. 3 seed Jessica Pegula to open play at 7 p.m. ET at Arthur Ashe. Sabalenka looked to be on the brink of a meltdown in the quarterfinals against Wimbledon champ Linda Nosková, but she dug deep to win the match and stay alive. Sabalenka is the biggest hitter on tour, but she's been in a slump in 2026 without a major championship. She has already lost her world No. 1 ranking after the tournament, but she won't care if she can win her fifth major and third straight US Open ****** le. The 32-year-old Pegula is enjoying a late career peak, and she's still chasing her first Grand Slam. Pegula's steady nature could be an advantage against the more emotional Sabalenka.
Elena Rybakina faces American Coco Gauff in the night cap. Rybakina is the No. 2 seed in this tournament, but she will surpass Sabalenka for the world No. 1 ranking when it's over regardless of what happens. At 27, Rybakina is the second-oldest woman to ever ascend to world No. 1 in the rankings for the first time. Gauff will be the fan favorite. She was not at her top level in her quarterfinal victory over Mirra Andreeva, but she still got the job done to advance. Gauff beat Sabalenka in the 2023 US Open final and the 2025 French Open final. She's seeking her third major at age-22.
#final
22 days ago
One of Ben Shelton's humungous serves went viral during his US Open clash with Frances Tiafoe for breaking the all-time record. Here's a look at what actually happened.
Ben Shelton has made the first Grand Slam final of his career, in which he will be facing off against Alexander Zverev. Perhaps the most important aspect of his game that brought him this far is his serve.
Shelton took the match against Carlos Alcaraz with a monster ace. Against Frances Tiafoe in the semi-final, he was at it again.
One of his services was clocked at a whopping 158 mph (254 kmph) during the game, which would blow the Grand Slam record for fastest serve ever out of the water. However, there is a twist in the tale.
Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images
#shelton #grand
Ben Shelton has made the first Grand Slam final of his career, in which he will be facing off against Alexander Zverev. Perhaps the most important aspect of his game that brought him this far is his serve.
Shelton took the match against Carlos Alcaraz with a monster ace. Against Frances Tiafoe in the semi-final, he was at it again.
One of his services was clocked at a whopping 158 mph (254 kmph) during the game, which would blow the Grand Slam record for fastest serve ever out of the water. However, there is a twist in the tale.
Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images
#shelton #grand
22 days ago
Ben Shelton has been handed a potential blow ahead of his US Open final against Alexander Zverev, with girlfriend Trinity Rodman unlikely to be in the stands because of a scheduling clash.
The American tennis star booked his place in his first Grand Slam final by beating Frances Tiafoe 4-6, 6-3, 6-3, 7-5 on Friday night at Arthur Ashe Stadium.
Shelton now faces Zverev on Sunday with a chance to become the first American man to win a Grand Slam since Andy Roddick in 2003. However, he will have to overcome a difficult record against the German.
Photo by Christian Kaspar-Bartke/Getty Images
Rodman is scheduled to play for Washington Spirit against Boston Legacy FC in an NWSL away game on Sunday, with kick-off at 1pm local time.
#slam
The American tennis star booked his place in his first Grand Slam final by beating Frances Tiafoe 4-6, 6-3, 6-3, 7-5 on Friday night at Arthur Ashe Stadium.
Shelton now faces Zverev on Sunday with a chance to become the first American man to win a Grand Slam since Andy Roddick in 2003. However, he will have to overcome a difficult record against the German.
Photo by Christian Kaspar-Bartke/Getty Images
Rodman is scheduled to play for Washington Spirit against Boston Legacy FC in an NWSL away game on Sunday, with kick-off at 1pm local time.
#slam
22 days ago
Big-serving Ben Shelton overpowered American compatriot Frances Tiafoe in four sets to reach the first Grand Slam final of his career at the US Open on Friday.
Eighth-seeded Shelton blasted 20 aces on his way to a thrilling 4-6, 6-3, 6-3, 7-5 victory on the Arthur Ashe Stadium court that sends the 23-year-old into Sunday's championship match against top-seeded Alexander Zverev of Germany.
A pulsating all-American semi-final had seen both players vying to reach a Grand Slam final for the first time.
Shelton -- who took down defending champion Carlos Alcaraz in the quarter-finals -- will now have the chance to become the first American man to win a Grand Slam ****** le since 2003, when Andy Roddick triumphed at the US Open.
Tiafoe got off to a bright start, claiming the first set after breaking when Shelton uncharacteristically double-faulted to trail at 5-4.
#final #seeded
Eighth-seeded Shelton blasted 20 aces on his way to a thrilling 4-6, 6-3, 6-3, 7-5 victory on the Arthur Ashe Stadium court that sends the 23-year-old into Sunday's championship match against top-seeded Alexander Zverev of Germany.
A pulsating all-American semi-final had seen both players vying to reach a Grand Slam final for the first time.
Shelton -- who took down defending champion Carlos Alcaraz in the quarter-finals -- will now have the chance to become the first American man to win a Grand Slam ****** le since 2003, when Andy Roddick triumphed at the US Open.
Tiafoe got off to a bright start, claiming the first set after breaking when Shelton uncharacteristically double-faulted to trail at 5-4.
#final #seeded
23 days ago
Alexander Zverev has performed better than any other ATP player at Grand Slams this year.
Men's tennis had been dominated by Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz over the past couple of years, with this year's Australian Open being the ninth consecutive major one of them had won.
This all changed at Roland Garros, where Zverev won his first major **** le after Sinner suffered a shock early exit.
Zverev has now reached the US Open final, his third consecutive Grand Slam final this year, and after his win over Karen Khachanov, he spoke about his impressive season at the major tournaments and how it compares to Sinner and Alcaraz.
Photo by Manuela Davies/USTA via Getty Images
#sinner #alcaraz #year #final
Men's tennis had been dominated by Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz over the past couple of years, with this year's Australian Open being the ninth consecutive major one of them had won.
This all changed at Roland Garros, where Zverev won his first major **** le after Sinner suffered a shock early exit.
Zverev has now reached the US Open final, his third consecutive Grand Slam final this year, and after his win over Karen Khachanov, he spoke about his impressive season at the major tournaments and how it compares to Sinner and Alcaraz.
Photo by Manuela Davies/USTA via Getty Images
#sinner #alcaraz #year #final
23 days ago
Six years after an agonizing loss in the US Open final, Alexander Zverev says "everything is different" as he returns to the ***** le match in Flushing Meadows.
The top-seeded German held off a battling Karen Khachanov 6-3, 7-6 (9/7), 7-6 (8/6) on Friday to reach his third straight Grand Slam final.
Zverev admits his US Open near miss against Dominic Thiem in 2020 left scar tissue, but all the doubts have finally been dispelled with his maiden major at the French Open.
He followed that with a runner-up finish at Wimbledon, and even though he knows he'll be in hostile territory on Sunday -- taking on either American Ben Shelton or compatriot Frances Tiafoe -- he relishes the challenge.
"I think a lot has happened," he said. "I've played in a lot of other finals. I've played a lot of big matches since then.
#alexander
The top-seeded German held off a battling Karen Khachanov 6-3, 7-6 (9/7), 7-6 (8/6) on Friday to reach his third straight Grand Slam final.
Zverev admits his US Open near miss against Dominic Thiem in 2020 left scar tissue, but all the doubts have finally been dispelled with his maiden major at the French Open.
He followed that with a runner-up finish at Wimbledon, and even though he knows he'll be in hostile territory on Sunday -- taking on either American Ben Shelton or compatriot Frances Tiafoe -- he relishes the challenge.
"I think a lot has happened," he said. "I've played in a lot of other finals. I've played a lot of big matches since then.
#alexander
23 days ago
Alexander Zverev beat Karen Khachanov at the US Open to reach a third Grand Slam final in a row and continue his bid for a second major of the year.
The top seed put in a commanding performance to beat the Russian 6-3 7-6 (9-7) 7-6 (8-6).
Germany's Zverev is the favourite in New York after ending his long wait for a Grand Slam ***** le with his French Open triumph in June.
He reached the Wimbledon final in July, losing in four sets to world number one Jannik Sinner.
The 29-year-old will play either eighth seed Ben Shelton or 11th seed Frances Tiafoe in Sunday's showpiece, with the two Americans set to meet in Friday's night session.
#slam
The top seed put in a commanding performance to beat the Russian 6-3 7-6 (9-7) 7-6 (8-6).
Germany's Zverev is the favourite in New York after ending his long wait for a Grand Slam ***** le with his French Open triumph in June.
He reached the Wimbledon final in July, losing in four sets to world number one Jannik Sinner.
The 29-year-old will play either eighth seed Ben Shelton or 11th seed Frances Tiafoe in Sunday's showpiece, with the two Americans set to meet in Friday's night session.
#slam
23 days ago
NEW YORK – It was a double celebration for Katerina Siniakova and for Taylor Townsend, the final piece of the puzzle to a career Grand Slam.
Siniakova and Townsend, the tournament's No. 1 seed, captured their first U.S. Open women's doubles ******* le together, rallying to beat young Americans Ashlyn Krueger and Robin Montgomery 5-7, 6-0, 6-2 in the final in Arthur Ashe Stadium on on Friday, Sept. 11.
Townsend, a 30 year-old American, and Siniakova, a 30-year-old from Czechia, captured their first major ******* le at Wimbledon in 2024 before adding the 2025 Australian Open, the 2026 French Open and this US Open championship.
Townsend and Siniakova found themselves down 0-3, and went on to lose the first set, but then they turned it on, blanking the wildcard entrants in the second set, before slamming and forehand baselining their way to a 6-2 closing set.
MEN'S SEMIFINALS HIGHLIGHTS: Zverev faces Khachanov and Shelton faces Tiafoe for place in final
#open #final
Siniakova and Townsend, the tournament's No. 1 seed, captured their first U.S. Open women's doubles ******* le together, rallying to beat young Americans Ashlyn Krueger and Robin Montgomery 5-7, 6-0, 6-2 in the final in Arthur Ashe Stadium on on Friday, Sept. 11.
Townsend, a 30 year-old American, and Siniakova, a 30-year-old from Czechia, captured their first major ******* le at Wimbledon in 2024 before adding the 2025 Australian Open, the 2026 French Open and this US Open championship.
Townsend and Siniakova found themselves down 0-3, and went on to lose the first set, but then they turned it on, blanking the wildcard entrants in the second set, before slamming and forehand baselining their way to a 6-2 closing set.
MEN'S SEMIFINALS HIGHLIGHTS: Zverev faces Khachanov and Shelton faces Tiafoe for place in final
#open #final
23 days ago
Alexander Zverev is enjoying a historic 2026 season, having won his maiden Grand Slam ****** le at Roland-Garros and recently reaching the US Open semifinals. The German top seed showed no signs of fatigue as he reached all four Grand Slam semifinals in a single season for the first time in his career.
Zverev will now face Russia's Karen Khachanov, who advanced to the semifinals after Alexander Blockx retired while trailing 6-2, 7-5, 3-2. As the two will battle for a place in the final, let's take a look at their biggest support system: their family, including their kids.
Zverev has kept his personal life, especially his kids, largely private. He welcomed his daughter, Mayla, in March 2021 with his former girlfriend, Brenda Patea. Following an out-of-court settlement in 2024 that ended their highly publicized legal dispute regarding domestic abuse, the two now share joint custody and focus on co-parenting.
Despite his fame, Zverev makes a conscious effort to keep Mayla away from the public eye. "I want her to be a normal child, growing up with a normal life," Zverev said of his approach. "I try to keep her out of social media, all the Instagrammie stuff."
#slam #mayla #season #life
Zverev will now face Russia's Karen Khachanov, who advanced to the semifinals after Alexander Blockx retired while trailing 6-2, 7-5, 3-2. As the two will battle for a place in the final, let's take a look at their biggest support system: their family, including their kids.
Zverev has kept his personal life, especially his kids, largely private. He welcomed his daughter, Mayla, in March 2021 with his former girlfriend, Brenda Patea. Following an out-of-court settlement in 2024 that ended their highly publicized legal dispute regarding domestic abuse, the two now share joint custody and focus on co-parenting.
Despite his fame, Zverev makes a conscious effort to keep Mayla away from the public eye. "I want her to be a normal child, growing up with a normal life," Zverev said of his approach. "I try to keep her out of social media, all the Instagrammie stuff."
#slam #mayla #season #life
23 days ago
Alexander Zverev is preparing for a huge opportunity at the US Open as he braces for his semi-final against Karen Khachanov, with a place in the final on the line.
Away from the court, the German tennis star has been in a long-term relationship with Sophia Thomalla, who has regularly been seen supporting him during his matches.
Photo by Thomas F. Starke/Getty Images
Zverev has been dating Sophia Thomalla since 2020, with the couple now having been together for almost six years.
Thomalla has frequently been spotted in the stands at Zverev's matches and has remained a familiar presence throughout his tennis career.
#karen
Away from the court, the German tennis star has been in a long-term relationship with Sophia Thomalla, who has regularly been seen supporting him during his matches.
Photo by Thomas F. Starke/Getty Images
Zverev has been dating Sophia Thomalla since 2020, with the couple now having been together for almost six years.
Thomalla has frequently been spotted in the stands at Zverev's matches and has remained a familiar presence throughout his tennis career.
#karen
23 days ago
Russian tennis star Karen Khachanov is still looking for his first Grand Slam ******* le in a career where he's gotten close -- he's made the semifinals of the Australian Open back in 2023 and has made the semis at the U.S. Open twice, including 2026 when he'll meet No. 1 seed Alexander Zverev.
And if you're here, you might be wondering: Who is Khachanov's wife? We have an answer: It's Veronika Shkliaeva. They got married back in 2016 and have a sons together named David and Mikael. You can see photos of his family that he's posted over the years on Instagram:
#back #karen #khachanov
And if you're here, you might be wondering: Who is Khachanov's wife? We have an answer: It's Veronika Shkliaeva. They got married back in 2016 and have a sons together named David and Mikael. You can see photos of his family that he's posted over the years on Instagram:
#back #karen #khachanov
23 days ago
You can watch a US Open semifinal match for about the price of the Honey Deuce.
The get-in price for Session 24 of the US Open—the semifinal match at 2 p.m. ET between Alexander Zverev and Karen Khachanov—dropped as low as $28, down from about $300 at the start of the main draw two weeks ago, according to TicketData. It's a 91% dip compared to just three days ago.
The price dip is likely due to the lack of star power between the two players, even though Zverev is the tournament's No. 1 seed.
TicketData listed its final pre-match average as $40 two hours before the match; pairs of tickets were available on resale sites for $33 shortly after.
The night session match between Americans Frances Tiafoe and Ben Shelton still has a $300 get-in price. It has dipped by 27% over the last three days—ticket prices often drop on the day of the event—but it's still above the tournament average of $296 at the start of the main draw on Aug. 30.
#session
The get-in price for Session 24 of the US Open—the semifinal match at 2 p.m. ET between Alexander Zverev and Karen Khachanov—dropped as low as $28, down from about $300 at the start of the main draw two weeks ago, according to TicketData. It's a 91% dip compared to just three days ago.
The price dip is likely due to the lack of star power between the two players, even though Zverev is the tournament's No. 1 seed.
TicketData listed its final pre-match average as $40 two hours before the match; pairs of tickets were available on resale sites for $33 shortly after.
The night session match between Americans Frances Tiafoe and Ben Shelton still has a $300 get-in price. It has dipped by 27% over the last three days—ticket prices often drop on the day of the event—but it's still above the tournament average of $296 at the start of the main draw on Aug. 30.
#session
23 days ago
Dustin Satloff / Getty Images marianokestelboim / instagram.com / Minas Panagiotakis / Getty Images
My qualifications: 1. I grew up playing tennis for yearssssss (wildly enough, Andy Roddick's coach was also my coach), and 2. I'm queer. Anyway, enjoy!!!!!
mattberrettini / instagram.com, GABRIEL MONNET / Getty Images
picture alliance / Getty Images, tommypaul / instagram.com
alexzverev123 / instagram.com, Dustin Satloff / Getty Images
#satloff
My qualifications: 1. I grew up playing tennis for yearssssss (wildly enough, Andy Roddick's coach was also my coach), and 2. I'm queer. Anyway, enjoy!!!!!
mattberrettini / instagram.com, GABRIEL MONNET / Getty Images
picture alliance / Getty Images, tommypaul / instagram.com
alexzverev123 / instagram.com, Dustin Satloff / Getty Images
#satloff
24 days ago
All four of the top women's seeds are into the semi-finals of the US Open for the first time since the 1975 edition of the tournament.
All of two-time defending champion Aryna Sabalenka, new world No 1 Elena Rybakina, former finalist Jessica Pegula and 2023 winner Coco Gauff survived three-set thrillers to make the last four, with Kazakhstan's Rybakina usurping Sabalenka at the top of the world rankings as a result.
The men's tournament has stood in sharp contrast: top seed Alexander Zverev has now reached the semi-finals of all four grand slams this year, but many of the other big names crashed out early.
The shocks started in the first round as 23-time grand slam champion and fourth seed Novak Djokovic suffered his earliest exit at a major in 20 years, with third seed and last year's semi-finalist Felix Auger-Aliassime and 2024 runner-up Taylor Fritz falling in the third round.
Carlos Alcaraz made a fine run to the quarter-finals on his return from a nearly five-month injury layoff but lost to Ben Shelton in a deciding set tiebreak, with an American finalist guaranteed as the eighth seed faces Frances Tiafoe. The men's semis are completed by 2022 semi-finalist Karen Khachanov.
#tournament
All of two-time defending champion Aryna Sabalenka, new world No 1 Elena Rybakina, former finalist Jessica Pegula and 2023 winner Coco Gauff survived three-set thrillers to make the last four, with Kazakhstan's Rybakina usurping Sabalenka at the top of the world rankings as a result.
The men's tournament has stood in sharp contrast: top seed Alexander Zverev has now reached the semi-finals of all four grand slams this year, but many of the other big names crashed out early.
The shocks started in the first round as 23-time grand slam champion and fourth seed Novak Djokovic suffered his earliest exit at a major in 20 years, with third seed and last year's semi-finalist Felix Auger-Aliassime and 2024 runner-up Taylor Fritz falling in the third round.
Carlos Alcaraz made a fine run to the quarter-finals on his return from a nearly five-month injury layoff but lost to Ben Shelton in a deciding set tiebreak, with an American finalist guaranteed as the eighth seed faces Frances Tiafoe. The men's semis are completed by 2022 semi-finalist Karen Khachanov.
#tournament
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24 days ago
Top-seeded Alexander Zverev is the only Grand Slam champion still standing as the US Open men's singles hit the semi-final stage on Friday, when all eyes will be on the all-American matchup between eighth-seeded Ben Shelton and 11th seed Frances Tiafoe.
Shelton vanquished defending champion and seven-time major-winner Carlos Alcaraz in a gripping quarter-final that kept even Zverev watching until after 3:30 in the morning.
"I did not go to bed," the German said, predicting a "fun semi-final between two Americans."
Tiafoe also came through a dramatic five sets to reach the last four, rallying from two sets down to hand young compatriot Alex Michelsen a heartbreaking defeat.
Now he and Shelton will battle to become the first US man to reach the US Open final since Taylor Fritz in 2024 and have a chance to end the American men's 23-year Grand Slam ****** le drought -- stretching back to Andy Roddick's 2003 US Open triumph.
#open #slam #champion
Shelton vanquished defending champion and seven-time major-winner Carlos Alcaraz in a gripping quarter-final that kept even Zverev watching until after 3:30 in the morning.
"I did not go to bed," the German said, predicting a "fun semi-final between two Americans."
Tiafoe also came through a dramatic five sets to reach the last four, rallying from two sets down to hand young compatriot Alex Michelsen a heartbreaking defeat.
Now he and Shelton will battle to become the first US man to reach the US Open final since Taylor Fritz in 2024 and have a chance to end the American men's 23-year Grand Slam ****** le drought -- stretching back to Andy Roddick's 2003 US Open triumph.
#open #slam #champion
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26 days ago
Elena Rybakina is one win away from the world number one ranking, but the Kazakh star says her main goal in her US Open quarter-final clash with Zheng Qinwen on Wednesday is to advance toward a third Grand Slam ******* le.
"Number one ranking is, of course, one of the goals," Rybakina says. "But I think the main focus for me is to win the ******* les, and then the ranking will follow up."
Rybakina arrived at Flushing Meadows as one of four women with a chance to supplant Aryna Sabalenka atop the rankings, and the only one with her fate in her own hands. Reaching the semis will send her to the summit for the first time, and she could even get there if she loses -- if Sabalenka, world number three Jessica Pegula and fourth-ranked Coco Gauff all fail to lift the trophy.
Rybakina, who has shown no sign of the foot injury that hindered her US Open preparations, will be out to halt the remarkable run of Zheng -- the Paris Olympics gold medallist who had to come through qualifying thanks to a rankings plunge in the wake of elbow surgery last year.
Gauff, in the quarters for the first time since she won the US Open ******* le in 2023, will take on fifth-seeded French Open champion Mirra Andreeva for a place in the semis while men's top seed Alexander Zverev faces Dutch veteran Botic van de Zandschulp.
#open
"Number one ranking is, of course, one of the goals," Rybakina says. "But I think the main focus for me is to win the ******* les, and then the ranking will follow up."
Rybakina arrived at Flushing Meadows as one of four women with a chance to supplant Aryna Sabalenka atop the rankings, and the only one with her fate in her own hands. Reaching the semis will send her to the summit for the first time, and she could even get there if she loses -- if Sabalenka, world number three Jessica Pegula and fourth-ranked Coco Gauff all fail to lift the trophy.
Rybakina, who has shown no sign of the foot injury that hindered her US Open preparations, will be out to halt the remarkable run of Zheng -- the Paris Olympics gold medallist who had to come through qualifying thanks to a rankings plunge in the wake of elbow surgery last year.
Gauff, in the quarters for the first time since she won the US Open ******* le in 2023, will take on fifth-seeded French Open champion Mirra Andreeva for a place in the semis while men's top seed Alexander Zverev faces Dutch veteran Botic van de Zandschulp.
#open
26 days ago
Top seed Alexander Zverev has reached the quarter-finals of the US Open to become the only man to reach the last eight at all four Grand Slams this year.
The French Open winner advanced after a 6-2, 6-2, 7-6 (7-3) win over Italy's Luciano Darderi on Monday evening.
Zverev opened his US Open campaign with back-to-back five-set wins, but has now claimed two consecutive straight set wins.
"I thought my level was very consistent," Zverev said in his on-court interview.
"He started playing incredibly well in the third set. I barely saw anyone hit the ball as hard as he did, consistently for an entire set, so credit to him. He made it very difficult for me, but I'm happy to be in the quarter-finals and happy to be playing this way."
#open #happy #grand
The French Open winner advanced after a 6-2, 6-2, 7-6 (7-3) win over Italy's Luciano Darderi on Monday evening.
Zverev opened his US Open campaign with back-to-back five-set wins, but has now claimed two consecutive straight set wins.
"I thought my level was very consistent," Zverev said in his on-court interview.
"He started playing incredibly well in the third set. I barely saw anyone hit the ball as hard as he did, consistently for an entire set, so credit to him. He made it very difficult for me, but I'm happy to be in the quarter-finals and happy to be playing this way."
#open #happy #grand
26 days ago
Zheng Qinwen pulled off another US Open stunner Monday, beating Iga Swiatek to book a quarter final with Elena Rybakina as men's top seed Alexander Zverev advanced safely to the last eight.
It was one more gritty comeback for Zheng, the Paris Olympics gold medallist and a former world number four now ranked 121st after struggling in the wake of elbow surgery last year.
Zheng had won the last seven games, saving a match point, as she shocked Madison Keys in her previous match.
After falling behind 5-0 in the first set against six-time Grand Slam champion Swiatek she again reeled off seven straight games.
She then broke Swiatek twice in the second set to clinch the win.
#last #match #Monday
It was one more gritty comeback for Zheng, the Paris Olympics gold medallist and a former world number four now ranked 121st after struggling in the wake of elbow surgery last year.
Zheng had won the last seven games, saving a match point, as she shocked Madison Keys in her previous match.
After falling behind 5-0 in the first set against six-time Grand Slam champion Swiatek she again reeled off seven straight games.
She then broke Swiatek twice in the second set to clinch the win.
#last #match #Monday
27 days ago
It has not been smooth sailing for Alexander Zverev at the U.S. Open.
Zverev was down two sets to one against Italy's Lorenzo Sonego in the tournament's first round before producing a comeback win. The German star also went a full five sets against France's Quentis Halys in the second round before dominating Alejandro Tabilo in the third round.
Germany's Alexander Zverev celebrates after winning his third-round match against Chile's Alejandro Tabilo at the U.S. Open in Flushing Meadows, New York, on Sept. 6, 2026. REUTERS
Now Zverev faces Italy's Luciano Darderi in the Round of 16 on Monday, with the winner advancing to the U.S. Open quarterfinals.
While Zverev's girlfriend, Sophia Thomalla, isn't as active on social media as she used to be, she made several posts showing she was with Zverev in New York before the tournament began and is probably still there while he plays through the tournament.
#open #alexander #tabilo #sets
Zverev was down two sets to one against Italy's Lorenzo Sonego in the tournament's first round before producing a comeback win. The German star also went a full five sets against France's Quentis Halys in the second round before dominating Alejandro Tabilo in the third round.
Germany's Alexander Zverev celebrates after winning his third-round match against Chile's Alejandro Tabilo at the U.S. Open in Flushing Meadows, New York, on Sept. 6, 2026. REUTERS
Now Zverev faces Italy's Luciano Darderi in the Round of 16 on Monday, with the winner advancing to the U.S. Open quarterfinals.
While Zverev's girlfriend, Sophia Thomalla, isn't as active on social media as she used to be, she made several posts showing she was with Zverev in New York before the tournament began and is probably still there while he plays through the tournament.
#open #alexander #tabilo #sets
28 days ago
NEW YORK (AP) — Alexander Zverev wasn't in the mood for much conversation.
With empty seats everywhere after he finished his U.S. Open first-round match in the early morning hours, he took two questions from reporters on the court and quickly wrapped it up.
"I think everybody's tired," he said. "Everybody wants to go to sleep."
The city that never sleeps is going a little overboard this year.
Players have long loved the electricity of night matches at the U.S. Open, where tennis under the lights at Arthur Ashe Stadium is a hallmark of the American Grand Slam tournament, with fans staying late and bringing plenty of energy. But with the tournament this year already setting a record with three post-2 a.m. finishes over the first six days, plus two more going past 1 a.m., concerns are bubbling up about how much after midnight is too much on such a big stage.
#zverev
With empty seats everywhere after he finished his U.S. Open first-round match in the early morning hours, he took two questions from reporters on the court and quickly wrapped it up.
"I think everybody's tired," he said. "Everybody wants to go to sleep."
The city that never sleeps is going a little overboard this year.
Players have long loved the electricity of night matches at the U.S. Open, where tennis under the lights at Arthur Ashe Stadium is a hallmark of the American Grand Slam tournament, with fans staying late and bringing plenty of energy. But with the tournament this year already setting a record with three post-2 a.m. finishes over the first six days, plus two more going past 1 a.m., concerns are bubbling up about how much after midnight is too much on such a big stage.
#zverev
28 days ago
Top seed Alexander Zverev picked up the pace at the US Open on Saturday, virtually sprinting to a 6-2, 7-6 (7/2), 6-2 victory over Alejandro Tabilo to reach the last 16 after laboring through a pair of marathon five-setters.
The German had already spent nine hours and 26 minutes on court in his first two matches -- the most time a top seed has needed to reach the third round of a major since 1999.
The French Open champion appeared on a mission to end the trend against 25th-seeded Chilean Tabilo, who fell to Zverev in the second round last year on the same Arthur Ashe Stadium court.
Zverev didn't face a break point in a brutally efficient first set, winning all 11 points behind his first serve and five of seven on his second serve.
He broke Tabilo twice on the way to pocketing the set in 38 minutes, and broke him again on the way to a 4-2 lead in the second.
#open #minutes
The German had already spent nine hours and 26 minutes on court in his first two matches -- the most time a top seed has needed to reach the third round of a major since 1999.
The French Open champion appeared on a mission to end the trend against 25th-seeded Chilean Tabilo, who fell to Zverev in the second round last year on the same Arthur Ashe Stadium court.
Zverev didn't face a break point in a brutally efficient first set, winning all 11 points behind his first serve and five of seven on his second serve.
He broke Tabilo twice on the way to pocketing the set in 38 minutes, and broke him again on the way to a 4-2 lead in the second.
#open #minutes
