Alexander Zverev defeats Ben Shelton in thrilling US Open final to claim title

Alexander Zverev defeated Ben Shelton in a four-set thriller Sunday to win his first US Open title and cap a career-best Grand Slam season.

The German beat No. 8 Shelton 6-3, 7-6 (2), 5-7, 6-2 in three hours and 33 minutes at Arthur Ashe Stadium.

The victory gives 29-year-old Zverev his second Grand Slam title after winning the French Open earlier this year.

Zverev controlled the opening set before surviving a tougher second, which Shelton forced into a tiebreak. Zverev raced to a 5-0 advantage before taking it 7-2.

Shelton fought back to win the third set 7-5, energising the New York crowd, but Zverev regained control and comfortably closed out the fourth 6-2.

“It was an incredible atmosphere to play in, even though the crowd was against me. You guys brought the energy and noise,” Zverev said, according to CNN.

Zverev collected a record $5.5 million prize.

Shelton had been attempting to become the first American man to win the US Open since Andy Roddick in 2003.

“My successes are a gift, my failures are a gift. Playing in front of you guys is a gift,” Shelton said.