US Open Men’s Finals Day 2026 Review: All You Need To Know
Every September, the tennis world turns its attention to New York as the US Open reaches its dramatic conclusion.
The 2026 men’s singles final brought together top seed Alexander Zverev and American eighth seed Ben Shelton. Zverev was aiming to add the US Open title to the French Open crown he had already won earlier in the season, while Shelton was competing in his first Grand Slam final on home soil.
With both players arriving in excellent form, there was plenty at stake at Arthur Ashe Stadium. Zverev was looking for his second Grand Slam title, while Shelton was attempting to become the first American man since Andy Roddick in 2003 to win the US Open men’s singles title.
When Is The Men’s US Open Final?
The Men’s US Open Final took place on Sunday, 13th September 2026 at Arthur Ashe Stadium in New York. It was the final match of the men’s singles tournament and brought the 2026 US Open to a close.
The tournament began on 23rd August, with players having to navigate seven rounds to reach the championship match. That meant both finalists had already faced a demanding schedule by the time they stepped onto Arthur Ashe Stadium for the final.
The 2026 final was scheduled for a 2pm start local time in New York. For viewers in the UK, that meant a 7pm start on Sunday evening.
Zverev reached the final after defeating Karen Khachanov in straight sets in the semi-finals, while Shelton secured his place in the championship match with a four-set victory over fellow American Frances Tiafoe.
What Time Is The Men’s US Open Final?
The 2026 Men’s US Open Final was scheduled to begin at 2pm Eastern Daylight Time in New York, which was 7pm British Summer Time in the UK.
The daytime start was different from the later evening slot sometimes associated with major US Open matches, but it gave UK viewers a convenient evening start time.
The final itself lasted three hours and 33 minutes. Zverev eventually defeated Shelton in four sets, winning 6-3, 7-6(2), 5-7, 6-2 to claim his first US Open championship.
As with any outdoor tennis event, weather and delays can affect the schedule. However, the championship match went ahead at Arthur Ashe Stadium, with Zverev completing a landmark season by lifting the trophy.
Who Is In The Men’s US Open Final?
The 2026 Men’s US Open Final was contested by Alexander Zverev and Ben Shelton.
Zverev entered the tournament as the No. 1 seed and had already enjoyed a remarkable 2026 season. The German won his first Grand Slam title at the French Open and also reached the Wimbledon final before arriving in New York.
A US Open final victory would give Zverev his second major title and complete an impressive run across the Grand Slam tournaments.
Shelton, meanwhile, was competing in his first Grand Slam final. The American produced one of the biggest wins of his career in the quarter-finals by defeating defending champion Carlos Alcaraz in five sets before overcoming Frances Tiafoe in the semi-finals.
The final also represented an opportunity for Shelton to end America’s long wait for a men’s singles champion at the US Open. Andy Roddick was the last American man to win the title, doing so in 2003.
Zverev had the better record heading into the final, having won all five of his previous meetings with Shelton. Their championship clash was their first meeting at a Grand Slam.
Zverev ultimately extended that advantage, defeating Shelton in four sets to become the 2026 US Open champion.
How Many Sets In Men’s US Open Final?
The Men’s US Open Final is played using a best-of-five-sets format, meaning a player must win three sets to claim the title. This differs from most matches on the men’s tour, which are played as best of three sets.
The longer format can produce significant swings in momentum. Players have more time to recover from a poor start, while fitness, concentration and tactical adjustments become increasingly important as the match progresses.
The 2026 final lasted four sets. Zverev won the opening set 6-3 before taking the second 7-6(2). Shelton responded by winning the third set 7-5, but Zverev regained control in the fourth, closing out the match 6-2.
The victory gave Zverev his second Grand Slam title and added another major achievement to an already impressive 2026 campaign.
How Much Does Men’s US Open Winner Get?
The 2026 US Open men’s singles champion received $5.5 million in prize money.
The figure formed part of a record $108 million player compensation package for the 2026 tournament. It represented a substantial increase on the previous year’s prize fund and made the US Open one of the most lucrative events in professional tennis.
Prize money was increased throughout the draw, not just for the champion. The tournament’s overall player compensation package was 20% higher than the $90 million offered in 2025.
After defeating Shelton in the final, Zverev therefore collected the $5.5 million champion’s prize. The amount a player ultimately keeps can, of course, be affected by taxation and the costs associated with running a professional tennis team, including coaching, travel and other expenses.
The increase in prize money reflects the continued commercial growth of the US Open and its position as one of the biggest sporting events in the world.
Bet on the Men’s US Open Final at Bet442
Whether you follow tennis throughout the season or simply enjoy the excitement of the Grand Slams, you can explore the available markets at Bet442.
Bet442 is licenced and regulated by the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC), ensuring a safe and secure betting experience.
Always remember to gamble responsibly by sticking to a strict budget within your means and making use of any responsible gambling tools available.
**The information provided in this blog is intended for educational purposes and should not be construed as betting advice or a guarantee of success. Always gamble responsibly.