Alexander Zverev vs Ben Shelton Prediction 9/13/2026 Today’s Tennis Picks

Top seed Alexander Zverev will face American Ben Shelton in the 2026 US Open final on Sunday, September 13. Here’s our Alexander Zverev vs Ben Shelton prediction. This preview will also include an Alexander Zverev vs Ben Shelton pick.

Alexander Zverev vs Ben Shelton Preview

Alexander Zverev defeated Karen Khachanov in straight sets to reach his second US Open final. The German came out on top in a tight straight sets match, where he crucially saved two set points in the third set to prevail 6-3, 7-6, 7-6 in precisely three hours. In the victory, Zverev hit 38 winners and 34 unforced errors. He tallied 15 aces and committed 6 double faults. Zverev landed 63% of first serves in play and won 79% of first serve points (55/70). Zverev won 56% of second serve points (23/41) and saved one of two break points in the match.

Zverev ended his long wait for a Grand Slam title at this year’s French Open, beating Flavio Cobolli in the final. He’s reached three Grand Slam finals this season. It has been six years since Zverev reached the US Open final, where he lost to Dominic Thiem from two sets up. Zverev has won 23 of 30 hard-court matches in 2026.

Ben Shelton won the All-American semifinal against Frances Tiafoe in four sets. Shelton came from a set down to beat Tiafoe 4-6, 6-3, 6-3, 7-5 in three hours and 18 minutes. In the victory, Shelton hammered 47 winners and 31 unforced errors. Shelton hit 20 aces and 3 double faults. He landed 75% of first serves in play and won 77% of first serve points (66/86). Shelton won 54% of second serve points (15/28) and saved five of seven break points.

Shelton will look to end a 23-year wait for an American men’s champion at Grand Slam level (singles). He’s coming off a maiden Top 3 at the US Open, knocking out the defending champion in an epic quarterfinal.

Alexander Zverev vs Ben Shelton Head-To-Head

Zverev and Shelton have met five times. Zverev holds a 5-0 head-to-head record. They haven’t met this season and have never faced off at Grand Slam level.

Alexander Zverev vs Ben Shelton Prediction

There is the obvious warning sign going against Zverev here. He’s 5-0 against Shelton and he’s just won his first Grand Slam title this season, and that should take away any pressure he is expected to face in this final. But a couple of good reasons to back Shelton are obvious too. This is a different Ben Shelton. The American lefty is more composed and more mature. Shelton is also arriving with the biggest confidence boost of his career after beating defending champion Alcaraz in a five-set thriller in the quarterfinals. And let’s not forget the New York crowd could be a genuine factor for Shelton, who is looking to end a 23-year wait for a men’s singles champion at the major level.

Nur Said's Pick: Shelton in five sets