Just In: Alexander Zverev claims Carlos Alcaraz made a big mistake against Ben Shelton which he…

Just In: Alexander Zverev claims Carlos Alcaraz made a big mistake against Ben Shelton which he avoided in the US Open final

Alexander Zverev has doubled his Grand Slam tally.

The German returned to the US Open final on Sunday – six years on from his crushing defeat to Dominic Thiem in the 2020 showpiece.

Zverev emerged victorious on this occasion, beating home favourite Ben Shelton 6-3, 7-6, 5-7, 6-2 inside Arthur Ashe Stadium.

It was a disappointing end to the tournament for Shelton, who defeated Carlos Alcaraz en route to the championship match.

Zverev discussed his tactical gameplan in the immediate aftermath of Sunday’s contest and revealed the ‘mistake’ Alcaraz made against Shelton in the quarter-finals.

Alexander Zverev on Carlos Alcaraz’s ‘mistake’ vs Ben Shelton

Carlos Alcaraz was the clear US Open favourite heading into his quarter-final contest with Ben Shelton earlier this week.

The American engineered the upset of the tournament, winning 6-7, 6-1, 6-3, 1-6, 7-6 in four hours and 28 minutes.

After defeating Shelton in the US Open final, Alexander Zverev believes Alcaraz made a tactical ‘mistake’ during his loss to the American.

“Against Ben, you don’t need to play aggressive all the time,” Zverev began, speaking to 2003 champion Andy Roddick and the ESPN panel.

“The more pace you give him to his backhand, the better he plays.

“I feel like the mistake that Carlos did a little bit in the quarterfinal, and maybe Frances did yesterday – it’s actually the faster you play against him, the better he plays with his backhand side, not his forehand side,” the German star continued.

Carlos Alcaraz’s 2026 US Open campaign

• R1: defeated Roman Safiullin 6-4, 6-4, 6-4
• R2: defeated Jaime Faria 4-6, 6-0, 6-3, 6-2
• R3: defeated Wu Yibing 6-3, 6-4, 6-1
• R4: defeated Tommy Paul 6-4, 6-3, 6-4
• QF: lost to Ben Shelton, 7-6, 1-6, 3-6, 6-1, 6-7

“If he somehow gets it around and starts hitting forehand, then you’re a little bit screwed.

“But if you can somehow get it up and play with a little less pace, I think I played slower today than all the other matches.

But it was deliberate, and I’m sitting here with a trophy. I can tell you, I can write a book about it.

“It doesn’t matter. As long as I win, I’m happy.”

Zverev was in almost total control on Sunday; Shelton often looked out of ideas as he struggled to hit his way through the world number two.

The American lacked variety in his game as Zverev relentlessly returned almost every powerful shot that came his way.

Shelton will hope to bounce back quickly and prepare appropriately for the Asian swing, which will begin later this month.

As for Zverev, the German can now bask in his US Open success, safe in the knowledge that his demons from the 2020 final have been well and truly buried.

Will Alexander Zverev become the world number one?

After triumphing in New York, Zverev has improved his chances of achieving another landmark: becoming world number one for the very first time.

The German has increased his rankings points total to 9,690 and now sits less than 2,000 points behind world number one Jannik Sinner.

Moreover, with Sinner’s physical health uncertain, the German could find himself in pole position to capitalise.

Zverev and Sinner will now shift their attention to other priorities.

Zverev is set to represent Germany in their Davis Cup tie against Croatia later this month.

Sinner is scheduled to return for the Asian swing. However, his participation remains uncertain due to a knee injury.