ALEXANDER Zverev claimed his first US Open championship after defeating Ben Shelton in four sets on Sunday, then shared a light moment with Trinity Rodman, who arrived at Arthur Ashe Stadium just in time to watch the conclusion of the final.
Zverev defeated the American left-hander, 6-2, in the deciding fourth set after Shelton fought back to take the third. The victory gave the German his second Grand Slam title of the season, following his French Open triumph in June.
Rodman, Shelton’s girlfriend, had played for Washington Spirit in a National Women’s Soccer League match in Washington, D.C., earlier in the day. She still managed to reach New York before the final ended and watched from Shelton’s box.
During his on-court remarks, Zverev addressed Rodman with a joke.
“Trinity, I thought you had a game today, no?” Zverev said, drawing laughter from Rodman.
“Well done to you as well,” he added before telling her, “You’re the lucky charm. Not today, but usual.”
Rodman had attended Shelton’s four ATP title victories this year in Montreal, Stuttgart, Munich and Dallas. She also watched all six of his matches at the US Open despite her own football commitments.
Shelton, who was attempting to become the first American man since Andy Roddick in 2003 to win a Grand Slam title, congratulated Zverev during his postmatch speech.
“Sascha, congrats on these two weeks man. Your 2nd Grand Slam title. Two in one year,” Shelton said.
“You’re one of the very best players in the world. Maybe the best player in the world this year. What you’re doing is incredible.”
The result extended Zverev’s perfect head-to-head record against Shelton to 6-0. It also stretched his Grand Slam winning streak against left-handed opponents to 14 matches.
Zverev had earlier reached the Wimbledon final, where he lost to world No. 1 Jannik Sinner, but made amends in New York by securing his first title at Flushing Meadows. (Adrian Co)
