US Open Final: Alexander Zverev vs. Ben Shelton Preview, Odds, and Picks (Sep 13)

• Alexander Zverev is chasing a second Grand Slam title of 2026 this Sunday.
• Ben Shelton will be competing in his first Grand Slam final.
• Zverev holds a 5-0 head-to-head advantage over Ben Shelton.

History could be made in the Men’s US Open Final on September 13, as Ben Shelton bids to become the first American man to win a Grand Slam in 23 years. However, Alexander Zverev will be a red-hot favorite at the tennis betting sites. A fascinating final in prospect awaits at Arthur Ashe Stadium, and you can find the latest odds and our Zverev vs Shelton picks here.  

How to Watch

• When: Sunday, September 12, 2026. 8:00 PM ET
• Where: Arthur Ashe Stadium, New York, USA
• How to Watch: ABC, ESPN

Alexander Zverev vs. Ben Shelton Odds

Alexander Zverev vs. Ben Shelton Preview

Ben Shelton and Alexander Zverev collide in the 2026 US Open Final this Sunday, with Shelton aiming to end the 23-year wait for an American winner of a men’s Grand Slam title. Andy Roddick was the last U.S. star to win a Men’s major in 2003, just eleven months after Shelton was born.

Shelton may have nerves this weekend, as the 23-year-old plays in his first Grand Slam final. He looked nervy in the opening stages of his semi-final against Frances Tiafoe, dropping the first set before showcasing his dominance in the following three sets. However, Shelton is unlikely to have the same ability to grow into a clash against the top-ranked player at the US Open.

Shelton has certainly shown his ability throughout his run to the Final, overcoming Carlos Alcaraz in a thrilling five-setter in the quarterfinals. The 23-year-old was excellent on his serve against Tiafoe, hitting 20 aces, and winning 77% of the points on his first serve. That will need to be matched against Zverev on Sunday.

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Alexander Zverev has finally pieced together all his potential this season, rising to second in the world rankings. The German ended his wait for a Grand Slam title at the French Open earlier this year, and followed that up by reaching the final at Wimbledon. His level of performance has grown as the US Open has progressed this year, winning each of his last three in straight sets to set up a second appearance in a New York major final.

Zverev performed to his highest level in the semi-final, easing to a straight-sets win against Karen Khachanov. The German smashed in 15 aces, and won 75% of the points on his first serve. He limited his opponent to few break point opportunities, with Khachanov being afforded just two chances on Friday.

His efficiency on hard courts should be respected this year. Zverev has won 91% of his service games. The German has also won 72% of service points and has converted 39% of his break point opportunities.

Head-to-Head Record

Zverev holds a perfect record against Shelton in head-to-head meetings, winning each of the five encounters. That includes victories on hard courts in each of the previous two. Shelton has won just one set against his German rival across the five meetings, and that came in the first head-to-head matchup at the ATP Cincinnati Masters in 2024.

Alexander Zverev vs. Ben Shelton Picks

Zverev’s head-to-head dominance should be respected this weekend. However, Shelton has looked like a different animal at this year’s US Open, beating Alcaraz and Tiafoe in the previous two rounds. But fatigue could play a part, as Zverev has spent considerably less time on the court than the American. Therefore, for that reason, it could be hard to oppose the German winning a second Grand Slam title of 2026 on Sunday.

• Alexander Zverev (-150)