Alexander Zverev vs Ben Shelton start time and how to watch US Open final today

Alexander Zverev and Ben Shelton meet in tonight’s US Open men’s final with the German chasing another major title and the American bidding to end a 23-year wait for a home men’s champion.

Top seed Zverev arrives as the favourite, having quietly navigated a draw that opened up after withdrawal of Jannik Sinner, and early exits for Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz. The 29-year-old has faced little trouble on his route to the final, beating Luciano Darderi and Botic van de Zandschulp before overcoming Karen Khachanov in straight sets.

Zverev’s recent record at the business end of Grand Slams is formidable. He won his maiden major at the French Open earlier this year and followed that with a Wimbledon final appearance. Now, he stands one victory away from a second Grand Slam title.

“I know it can change in a heartbeat in tennis,” Zverev said, acknowledging how quickly confidence can disappear. He will also have to contend with a partisan Arthur Ashe Stadium crowd, firmly behind Shelton.

Shelton, the 23-year-old from Florida, reached his first Grand Slam final by beating Frances Tiafoe 4-6, 6-3, 6-3, 7-5 in an emotional all-American semi-final. Shelton recovered from a slow start to take control, breaking twice in the third set and again late in the fourth to seal victory.

The occasion carries extra significance for Shelton, who is bidding to become the first American man since Andy Roddick in 2003 to win the US Open – and the first American man in that period to claim any Grand Slam title.

But history is against him. Zverev has won all five of their previous meetings, giving the German a psychological edge before they step onto Arthur Ashe.

For Shelton, though, this is the chance to turn the American dream into reality. For Zverev, it is an opportunity to underline his status among the game’s elite. Something has to give.

The 2026 US Open men’s singles final takes place on Sunday, September 13, on Arthur Ashe Stadium at Flushing Meadows, New York. The match is set to start at 9pm BST.

TV channel: In the UK, you can watch live coverage of the US Open men’s final on Sky Sports. Coverage starts from 6pm BST on Sunday on Sky Sports Tennis.

Live stream: Sky Sports subscribers can also watch the action unfold live online via the Sky Go app and website.