Zverev defeated Ben Shelton with a score of 6-3, 7-6 (2), 5-7, 6-2 in the US Open final held on September 13 at Arthur Ashe's court. This is the second Grand Slam that the German player has won in the 2026 season, after the Roland Garros championship in June.
This achievement marks a significant step forward for Zverev. Previously, the 29-year-old player reached the Australian Open semi-finals, won the Roland Garros championship and finished second at Wimbledon. Having two Grand Slam titles in the same season helps Zverev become one of the most prominent figures in men's tennis this year.
However, after the final in New York, McEnroe still directed his attention to Alcaraz and Sinner. In a TV show, the American tennis legend suddenly said: "Recover, Carlos and Jannik".
McEnroe's short statement was quickly shared on social networks. The statement is seen as the anticipation of experts for the return of the two players who are considered Zverev's biggest opponents.
Sinner did not participate in the US Open due to a knee injury, while Alcaraz returned after a period of wrist treatment but stopped in the quarterfinals after losing to Ben Shelton himself.
It is noteworthy that Zverev does not have to face Alcaraz or Sinner on the journey to win two Grand Slams this year. The German player himself also admits that competition will be completely different if these two opponents reach their best physical condition.
I don't think I'm the best player in the world if Sinner and Alcaraz are completely healthy," Zverev shared after the US Open final.
However, what Zverev showed in 2026 is very impressive. Two Grand Slam titles and stable achievements in major tournaments show that the German player is entering the peak of his career.
At the age of 29, Zverev has made a strong transformation after many years of being expected but unable to win Grand Slam. The consecutive championships at Roland Garros and the US Open also open up the possibility that he will become an important factor in the race for major titles in the 2027 season.
Meanwhile, the return of Alcaraz and Sinner will be a factor expected. If both are in the best physical condition, world men's tennis may witness a direct competition between the top three players, instead of a season where Zverev has more opportunities due to key opponents having physical problems.
With McEnroe, it seems he is also waiting for that when directing the call back to Alcaraz and Sinner right after Zverev raised the US Open trophy.
