"Why isn't everyone standing up and applauding?" Zverev, bewildered, didn't even realize he had won... After 11th US Open challenge, finally crowned champion

*This content was translated by AI.

Even after securing the US Open title, Alexander Zverev (world No. 2, Germany) prepared to play another match. He had not immediately realized that he had become the champion.

On the 14th (Korean time), at the men's singles final of the 2026 US Open tennis tournament held in New York, USA, Zverev defeated Ben Shelton (world No. 9, USA) with a score of 3-1 (6-3 7-6<7-2> 5-7 6-2), claiming the title.

Zverev, who won his first major title at the French Open in June this year, has now achieved two major victories this season by conquering the US Open as well.

The prize money is also enormous. Zverev received $5.5 million (approximately 7.4 billion won) from this victory, the highest amount ever awarded in Grand Slam history.

Reuters reported that "Zverev has washed away the pain of missing the US Open title just six years ago when it was within his reach," adding that "in the 2020 US Open final, Zverev led against Austria's Dominic Thiem with a set score of 2-0 but ultimately suffered a comeback defeat."

The report continued, "However, by winning his first Grand Slam title at Roland Garros last June, he gained confidence as a champion," and explained that "this time, he defeated Shelton, shattering the expectations of American fans."

Most notably, Zverev's actions immediately after securing the victory drew attention.

Reuters stated that "Zverev was so immersed in the match that he did not immediately realize he had won."

The situation unfolded as follows: In the final point of the fourth set, Shelton's return shot landed outside the baseline, ending the match. However, Zverev failed to notice his victory and headed back toward the baseline, preparing to receive Shelton's next serve.

Although the umpire declared "Game, Set, and Match, Zverev," he did not understand the situation for some time.

Media outlets reported that "it took a few seconds for him to realize why the audience was giving him a standing ovation," adding that "only then did Zverev finally smile late and rush to the net to embrace Shelton."

This victory was even more meaningful. After 11 attempts at the US Open, Zverev finally lifted the championship trophy. He completely erased the pain of losing a comeback match in the final six years ago after taking two sets first.

After the match, Zverev said, "I believe God has seen how hard we have worked, how much suffering we have endured, and how many pains we have borne," and added, "I think 2026 is the result of all the years we have gone through." He shared his thoughts on the victory.

During today's final, the home crowd's support was focused on Shelton, the American player. Zverev was well aware of this. He smiled and said, "I know that 99.9% of the audience wanted Ben to win, so I am truly sorry."

He continued, "I know the audience did not cheer for me, but they were always unbelievably fair," adding, "As a player, I feel truly grateful."

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*This content was translated by AI.