Sascha Zverev wins 2026 US Open and thanks his mother after son's diabetes diagnosis

German tennis player Sascha Zverev captured his second Grand Slam title at the 2026 US Open, defeating Ben Shelton in the final in a victory that capped an exceptional season. After the trophy presentation, Zverev dedicated the win to his family and delivered an emotional tribute to his mother.

Match and milestone

Zverev’s triumph in Flushing Meadows marks his second major of the year and the second Grand Slam crown of his career. The victory over Shelton closed two weeks of high-level tennis in New York and underlined Zverev’s return to the very top of the sport.

Speaking on court, Zverev reflected on the journey that led to 2026’s success and singled out his mother for special praise. He said: "I hadn't won a single title until this year, now I won two in one year. I think God saw how hard we worked, through what pain we went. 2026 is the result of all the years before this. Thank you all, I wouldn't be here without you. Thanks to one more person who never watches my matches, she is the most important person in my life. When a four-year-old son is diagnosed with diabetes, it takes a strong mother to walk out of the doctor's office and say: 'My son will be whatever he wants to be; if he wants to be a tennis player, he will be. This disease will not define him. I'm happy we're doing what we're doing. My mother is the most important and strongest person I know; it takes such a strong person to do what she did,'" Zverev said.

Shelton, the runner-up, also paid tribute to Zverev’s performance and work ethic. "First and foremost, I want to thank God. My successes are a gift. My failures are a gift. To be here and play in front of all of you is a gift. Sascha, congratulations on these two weeks, your second Grand Slam title, your second in one year. You are one of the best players in the world. Maybe the best player this year. What you are doing is incredible," Shelton said, adding: "The way you serve, the way you move, the way you play. You work harder than anyone I know. You put more hours on the court than anyone else. You and your team are doing things the right way. I'm happy you're holding this trophy. You waited a long time."

The win further cements Zverev’s status among the leading players of the season and offers a powerful personal story beyond the scoreboard—one that has resonated widely because of his public thanks to his mother amid his family’s struggle with his son’s health.

Photo: US Open\/Fejsbuk