Zverev Shrugs Off Best-Player Tag Despite US Open Victory

Zverev defeated American Ben Shelton 6-3, 7-6 (2), 5-7, 6-2 in the final at Flushing Meadows, adding the championship to his French Open triumph in June. The victory marked a dominant performance in the sport's biggest tournaments this year, yet Zverev remained reluctant to claim the mantle of top player when Shelton suggested as much during the trophy presentation.

"You're one of the very best players in the world, maybe the best player in the world this year," Shelton said to Zverev. The 27-year-old German acknowledged the compliment but stopped short of accepting the accolade without qualification.

Zverev's success this year has been notably aided by injuries to his rivals. Carlos Alcaraz, who won the Australian Open, was sidelined by a right wrist injury in April and missed both the French Open and Wimbledon before returning for the US Open. Jannik Sinner, ranked number one in men's tennis, captured the Wimbledon title but withdrew from the US Open due to a knee injury, preventing him from defending against Zverev's charge.

The circumstances surrounding Zverev's achievements this year contrast sharply with the competitive landscape of previous seasons, when a fully healthy field of rivals challenged for supremacy in the sport's major championships.