Shelton vs. Zverev Prediction: US Open Men's Final Picks, Odds

The 2026 US Open comes to a close on Sunday with a fascinating men's final between Alexander Zverev and Ben Shelton.

Zverev entered Flushing Meadows as the No. 1 seed and has lived up to that billing. After needing five sets in each of his first two matches, the German has found another gear and enters the final following a straight-set semifinal victory over Karen Khachanov.

Shelton's path has been much more dramatic. The 23-year-old took down defending champion Carlos Alcaraz in five sets in the quarterfinals before beating Frances Tiafoe, 4-6, 6-3, 6-3, 7-5, in Friday night's semifinal. Shelton landed 75% of his first serves and recorded 20 aces against Tiafoe.

What are the odds and best bets for the final? Let’s take a look at FanDuel Sportsbook’s US Open odds.

All tennis odds come from FanDuel Sportsbook and may change after this article is published.

Zverev vs. Shelton US Open Odds

Alexander Zverev: -152

Ben Shelton: +126

Zverev vs. Shelton Best Bets and Picks

Alexander Zverev to Win (-152)

Zverev is the favorite for good reason.

The biggest concern for Shelton is that this is a matchup that has consistently favored Zverev. Shelton has yet to defeat the German in five career meetings, including losses on hard courts in Cincinnati and at the ATP Finals last season. This will be their first meeting at a Grand Slam.

Zverev also comes into Sunday in excellent form. After dropping four sets across the first two rounds, he won his next four matches without dropping a set, culminating in a 6-3, 7-6, 7-6 victory over Khachanov in the semifinals.

Shelton's serve gives him a chance to make this interesting, but Zverev is one of the tougher opponents for a serve-first player. His combination of length, returning and baseline consistency can force Shelton to hit extra balls, and that's where the American's aggression can occasionally work against him.

Zverev also has significantly more experience on this stage. This is Shelton's first major final, while Zverev is appearing in his sixth and has already played in the finals of the French Open and Wimbledon this season.

I'll back the favorite to solve Shelton once again and capture his first US Open title.

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The above author is a FanDuel employee and is not eligible to compete in public daily fantasy contests or place sports betting wagers on FanDuel. The advice provided by the author does not necessarily represent the views of FanDuel. Taking the author’s advice will not guarantee a successful outcome. You should use your own judgment when participating in daily fantasy contests or placing sports wagers.