Alexander Zverev took down Ben Shelton 6-3, 7-6 (2), 5-7, 6-2 on Sunday to win his first US Open title. And the moment he won, he had no idea.
After Zverev served on double championship point to secure his second Grand Slam title (and second this year; he won the French Open in June), the crowd at Arthur Ashe Stadium went wild. The PA announcer said, “Game, set, match, Zverev.”
But Zverev was locked in on a match that he thought was still going and initially didn’t realize he’d won. After 10 seconds had passed, Zverev finally realized that he was a US Open champion and proceeded to celebrate.
The ESPN on ABC broadcast crew of play-by-play announcer Chris Fowler (capping off an incredible weekend of work) and color commentators John McEnroe and Patrick McEnroe found the situation hilarious.
“At long last, Zverev has his US Open title,” Fowler said.
The McEnroe brothers each noted that Zverev seemed unaware the match was over.
“Yes, he can now celebrate! He was so locked in!” Fowler said as Zverev finally figured it out, and the booth continued to laugh about the moment for the next minute.
Alexander Zverev wins the US Open!
And he didn’t even realize it.
Chris Fowler, John McEnroe, and Patrick McEnroe with the ESPN on ABC call. 🎾🏆🎙️ pic.twitter.com/5zhdfqDF16
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) September 13, 2026
Later, Zverev sat down at the ESPN studio desk with Malika Andrews and Andy Roddick, and he explained the confusion.
“I thought the score was 5-1”
Alexander Zverev on taking awhile to realize he had won the US Open Final 😂 pic.twitter.com/31b8nP9PzZ
— ESPN (@espn) September 13, 2026
“I thought the score was 5-1,” Zverev said. “I thought it was 5-1, which probably helped me because I probably would’ve served like three double faults instead of one.”
“It was a long match, a long two weeks,” Zverev added. “But in the end, I’m happy.”
About Matt Clapp
Matt is an editor/writer at Awful Announcing and The Comeback.
He can be reached by email at mclapp@awfulannouncing.com.