Alexander Zverev US Open 2026: German Star Pays Emotional Tribute to Mother Irina After Grand Slam Triumph

Alexander Zverev has finally shed his “Mr. Almost” tag after a remarkable run that has seen him claim two Grand Slam titles in the space of three months. The German defeated Ben Shelton 6-3, 7-6(2), 5-7, 6-2 in the US Open 2026 final at Flushing Meadows, adding the New York triumph to his French Open success. The victory also made Zverev the first German man since Boris Becker in 1989 to lift the US Open trophy, underlining just how dramatically his fortunes at the biggest tournaments have changed.

After the win, Zverev made sure to highlight the family members and team who helped him reach this stage, with a special tribute reserved for his mother, Irina. Diagnosed with type 1 diabetes as a child, Zverev said his mother never allowed the condition to dictate what he could achieve in sport or in life. He also thanked his father and brother for their continued support, while reflecting on how his painful 2020 US Open final defeat no longer weighs on him after his French Open breakthrough. With those old scars gone, Zverev said he has been able to embrace the biggest stages with greater freedom and confidence.

Alexander Zverev’s first US Open title carried a meaning far beyond adding another Grand Slam trophy to his collection. After overcoming Ben Shelton in the final at Arthur Ashe Stadium, the German star used his victory speech to pay an emotional tribute to his mother, Irina, whose unwavering belief played a major role in shaping his career. For Zverev, the moment was as much about family and resilience as it was about finally conquering one of tennis’ biggest stages.

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Zverev defeated Shelton 6-3, 7-6(2), 5-7, 6-2 to secure his maiden US Open crown and second Grand Slam title of 2026. While reflecting on his journey, he reserved special praise for his mother, recalling how she stood by him after he was diagnosed with diabetes at just four years old. “I want to thank one more person who’s never actually watching my matches but is the most important person in my tennis life and in my life in general,” Zverev said.

He then spoke about the difficult moment when his family first learned about his condition and how his mother refused to accept that it should restrict his future. “When your 4-year-old son gets diagnosed with diabetes, and doctors in the office tell you that life and sports will be very, very limited for that child, it takes a very, very strong mother to walk out of those offices and say, ‘My son will be wherever he wants to be.’” Zverev continued, “If he wants to be a tennis player, he’ll be a tennis player. If he wants to do something else, he’ll do something else. But this illness will not define us.”

Zverev described his mother as “the most important and strongest person I know”, before adding: “It takes an unbelievably strong woman to do what she did.” The German was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes when he was four and chose to keep the condition away from the public eye for much of his career. He eventually revealed his diagnosis in 2022 and later established the Alexander Zverev Foundation, which works to support children living with diabetes and improve access to insulin and essential medication.

His mother’s determination became an important part of Zverev’s story, particularly after doctors initially warned that diabetes could affect both his lifestyle and sporting ambitions. The 2026 season has since transformed into one of the most significant periods of his career, with Zverev first winning his maiden French Open title before following it up with his breakthrough triumph at Flushing Meadows.

The US Open victory also helped erase painful memories from his previous appearance in the final in New York. In 2020, Zverev let a two-set advantage slip against Dominic Thiem and narrowly missed out on his first major title. Five years later, he stayed composed when it mattered most, finally lifting the trophy and celebrating a milestone that had once seemed out of reach. Amid all the celebrations, however, Zverev made sure the spotlight returned to the woman who never allowed his illness to determine how far he could go.