We’re Going Five

US Open 2026 Final Recap: Alexander Zverev defeats Ben Shelton to become US Open champion, Elena Rybakina conquers New York, and we debate what both results mean for the future of tennis. 🏆🇺🇸

 

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Welcome to the We’re Going Five Podcast US Open 2026 Final Recap.

 

Alexander Zverev is the US Open champion. Ben Shelton’s incredible New York run finishes one match short of his first Grand Slam. Elena Rybakina captures the women’s US Open title.

 

We break down both finals, debate our biggest US Open overreactions, reveal who nailed their pre-tournament predictions and dark horses, and make our super early ATP Finals 2026 picks.

 

⏱️ TIMESTAMPS

 

00:00:00 Intro

00:00:52 ZVEREV CROWNED US OPEN KING!

00:22:10 WHAT'S NEXT FOR SHELTON?

00:31:12 RYBAKINA CONQUERS NEW YORK!

00:43:09 OVERREACTION OR NOT?

00:50:30 PREDICTIONS & DARK HORSE REVEAL

00:59:33 SUPER EARLY ATP FINALS PICKS!

 

👑 ZVEREV CROWNED US OPEN KING

 

Alexander Zverev wins the 2026 US Open.

 

After another incredible Grand Slam season, Sascha leaves Arthur Ashe Stadium with another major trophy and strengthens his case as one of the best players in the world.

 

We break down the Zverev vs Shelton US Open final, how Zverev neutralized Shelton’s weapons, and why Sascha continues to look increasingly comfortable in the biggest matches in tennis.

 

Was the difference his serve?

 

His backhand?

 

His ability to absorb Shelton’s first strike?

 

Or simply his experience in these moments?

 

And after everything Zverev has accomplished in 2026…

 

Can Sascha finish the season as World No. 1?

 

🇺🇸 WHAT’S NEXT FOR BEN SHELTON?

 

Ben Shelton falls one match short of becoming a Grand Slam champion.

 

But this US Open changed the conversation around him.

 

Shelton showed improved patience, stronger returning, better rally tolerance and the ability to beat elite players deep in a major.

 

So what happens next?

 

Is Shelton officially a legitimate Grand Slam contender?

 

What still separates him from the very best players in the world?

 

And was this actually Ben Shelton’s best chance to win a Slam, or are his biggest opportunities still ahead of him?

 

👑 RYBAKINA CONQUERS NEW YORK

 

Elena Rybakina is the 2026 US Open champion.

 

One of the most dangerous power players in women’s tennis delivers on one of the biggest stages in the sport.

 

We break down why Rybakina’s serve and first-strike tennis are so devastating on hard courts, what this championship means for her place in the WTA hierarchy, and how high her ceiling really is when healthy.

 

Which leads to one huge question:

 

Can Elena Rybakina complete the Career Grand Slam in 2027?

 

🧨 OVERREACTION OR NOT?

 

Four takes. Four verdicts.

 

Zverev will finish 2026 as Year-End World No. 1.

 

This was Ben Shelton’s best chance to win a Grand Slam.

 

Elena Rybakina will complete the Career Grand Slam next year.

 

Aryna Sabalenka will finish the year outside the Top 4.

 

Overreaction… or are we actually cooking?

 

🔮 PREDICTIONS & DARK HORSE REVEAL

 

Time to pull out the receipts.

 

Before the US Open started, we made our champion predictions, early exit picks, Ride or Die selections and dark horse choices.

 

Now the tournament is finished.

 

Who actually predicted the champions?

 

Which dark horse made the deepest run?

 

Who completely misunderstood the draw?

 

Which pick died immediately?

 

And who gets bragging rights until the next Grand Slam?

 

We reveal all of our pre-tournament picks and grade how well our US Open 2026 predictions actually aged.

 

🎯 SUPER EARLY ATP FINALS PICKS

 

The Grand Slam season is over.

 

Now the ATP Race to Turin gets serious.

 

Who qualifies for the 2026 ATP Finals?

 

Who misses out?

 

Which player could make a late-season surge?

 

And if the ATP Finals started tomorrow…

 

Who would we pick to win the whole thing?

 

👇 JOIN THE DEBATE

 

Will Zverev finish 2026 as World No. 1?

 

Was this Shelton’s best chance at a Slam?

 

Can Rybakina complete the Career Grand Slam?

 

Does Sabalenka finish outside the Top 4?

 

And who wins the ATP Finals?

 

Drop your takes below 👇

 

Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3ZIET9j

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US Open 2026 semifinal recap: Ben Shelton beats Frances Tiafoe, Alexander Zverev defeats Karen Khachanov, and now Shelton vs Zverev is set for the US Open final. We break down both semifinals and preview who wins the title in New York. 🇺🇸🎾

 

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Welcome to our US Open 2026 Semifinal Recap on the We’re Going Five Podcast.

 

We react to Ben Shelton vs Frances Tiafoe, break down Alexander Zverev vs Karen Khachanov, and preview the massive Ben Shelton vs Alexander Zverev US Open final.

 

Who has the edge? What decided the semifinals? And who leaves New York as US Open champion?

 

Timestamps:

00:00:00 Intro

00:00:46 THOUGHTS ON SHELTON VS TIAFOE?

00:15:00 THOUGHTS ON ZVEREV VS KHACHANOV?

00:25:47 SHELTON VS ZVEREV PREVIEW

00:34:20 WYG: SHELTON OR ZVEREV?

 

🇺🇸 SHELTON BEATS TIAFOE

 

Ben Shelton gets through Frances Tiafoe and reaches the biggest final of his career.

 

After finally earning his first Top 3 victory earlier in the tournament, Shelton keeps the momentum going inside Arthur Ashe Stadium and survives an all-American US Open semifinal with everything on the line.

 

How much has Shelton actually improved during this US Open?

 

Is his serve still the biggest story, or has his return game, movement, shot tolerance and decision-making finally caught up with the enormous weapons everyone already knew he had?

 

And for Frances Tiafoe, after another deep run in New York, should this US Open feel like major progress or another enormous opportunity missed?

 

💪 ZVEREV GETS PAST KHACHANOV

 

Alexander Zverev defeats Karen Khachanov and reaches another Grand Slam final.

 

Zverev has been one of the most consistent Grand Slam players in men’s tennis throughout 2026, and now he has another opportunity to add to his major collection.

 

What stood out most against Khachanov?

 

Was it the first serve?

 

The backhand?

 

His baseline patience?

 

Or simply Zverev looking increasingly comfortable in the biggest matches on the ATP Tour?

 

🔥 SHELTON VS ZVEREV US OPEN FINAL PREVIEW

 

Now we get the matchup.

 

Ben Shelton vs Alexander Zverev for the 2026 US Open title.

 

Shelton brings one of the biggest serves in tennis, explosive first-strike power, left-handed patterns, Arthur Ashe Stadium crowd support and absolutely no fear.

 

Zverev brings Grand Slam final experience, elite serving, one of the best two-handed backhands in tennis and the confidence of a player who has consistently reached the business end of majors this season.

 

The tactical questions are fascinating.

 

Can Shelton consistently attack Zverev’s forehand?

 

Can Zverev neutralize Shelton’s lefty serve?

 

Who wins the backhand exchanges?

 

Can Shelton keep the rallies short and dictate with his forehand?

 

Can Zverev turn this into a physical baseline battle?

 

And if the US Open final becomes a four or five-hour fight, which player do we trust more under pressure?

 

🎯 WHO YA GOT?

 

BEN SHELTON OR ALEXANDER ZVEREV?

 

Does Shelton complete the dream New York run and win his first Grand Slam title?

 

Or does Zverev’s experience and consistency become too much in the biggest match of the tournament?

 

👇 DROP YOUR PICK

 

Shelton or Zverev?

 

How many sets?

 

And who will be holding the US Open trophy at Arthur Ashe Stadium?

 

Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3ZIET9j

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Shelton finally beats a Top 3 player. Tiafoe comes back from TWO sets down with Michelsen serving for the match. And now they meet for a spot in the US Open final. New York has gone crazy. 🇺🇸🔥

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Welcome to our US Open Quarterfinal Recap on the We’re Going Five Podcast.

We break down Ben Shelton’s massive win over Carlos Alcaraz, Frances Tiafoe somehow surviving Alex Michelsen, Alexander Zverev taking care of Botic van de Zandschulp, and Karen Khachanov ending Alexander Blockx’s incredible run.

Then it is semifinal time.

Shelton vs Tiafoe.
Zverev vs Khachanov.

Who reaches the US Open final?

Timestamps: 
0:00 Intro
0:56 Thoughts on Shelton vs Alcaraz?
23:13 Thoughts on Tiafoe vs Michelsen
32:35 Shelton vs Tiafoe Preview
37:51 Thoughts on Zverev vs Botic
43:06 Thoughts on Khachanov vs Blockx
47:53 Zverev vs Khachanov Preview

🇺🇸 SHELTON FINALLY DOES IT

Ben Shelton takes down Carlos Alcaraz and gets one of the biggest wins of his career.

Before this match, Shelton had gone 0–17 against Top 3 opponents.

Eighteenth time lucky.

But was this Shelton finally showing that his ceiling is even higher than we thought?

Or did Alcaraz leave the door open?

We break down Shelton’s serving, aggression, mentality and what this win means for his development at Grand Slam level.

🤯 BIG FOE SOMEHOW SURVIVES

Frances Tiafoe was two sets down.

Alex Michelsen was serving for the match.

And Tiafoe still found a way to win.

On Arthur Ashe Stadium, with his US Open run disappearing in front of him, Big Foe produces another unforgettable New York comeback.

Was this Tiafoe showing the mentality of a genuine Slam contender?

Or did Michelsen suffer one of the most painful collapses of the tournament?

🔥 SHELTON VS TIAFOE

And now we get the matchup America wanted.

Ben Shelton vs Frances Tiafoe for a place in the US Open final.

Shelton enters after the biggest win of his career.

Tiafoe enters after one of the biggest comebacks of his career.

Two huge personalities.

Two massive forehands.

Arthur Ashe Stadium.

And an American guaranteed to play for the US Open title.

Who handles the moment better?

🎯 WHO YA GOT?

Shelton or Tiafoe?

We break down the serve battle, return games, pressure moments, experience and who we trust more if this gets tight late.

💪 ZVEREV KEEPS MOVING

Alexander Zverev gets past Botic van de Zandschulp and continues another deep Grand Slam run.

After everything Sascha has done at the majors in 2026, is he quietly becoming the safest player in men’s tennis to make the business end of a Slam?

And more importantly, is this finally the tournament where he adds another major?

🚀 WHAT A RUN FROM BLOCKX

Alexander Blockx’s US Open run finally ends against Karen Khachanov.

Even without reaching the semifinal, Blockx leaves New York having announced himself on one of the biggest stages in tennis.

We discuss what impressed us most about his run and whether this was a one tournament explosion or the beginning of something much bigger.

⚔️ ZVEREV VS KHACHANOV

The other semifinal gives us a completely different type of battle.

Alexander Zverev vs Karen Khachanov.

Two huge servers.

Two powerful baseliners.

Two players comfortable going deep at Grand Slams.

Does Zverev’s backhand and consistency give him the advantage?

Can Khachanov make this physical and drag Sascha into another long Grand Slam fight?

And who handles the pressure of being one match away from the US Open final?

🎯 WHO YA GOT?

Zverev or Khachanov?

👇 DROP YOUR PICKS

Shelton or Tiafoe?

Zverev or Khachanov?

And who are you taking to WIN the US Open from the final four?

Novak Djokovic’s shocking loss raises a big question: can he still win another Grand Slam? We break down the defeat, discuss whether his lighter tournament schedule hurt his preparation, and debate what comes next for the GOAT!

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Is playing fewer matches helping Djokovic preserve his best tennis for the majors—or leaving him short of match sharpness when it matters most? We explore what this result says about his Grand Slam ambitions and whether there’s still a path back to the biggest titles.

Do you think Djokovic will win another major? Share your thoughts in the comments, and subscribe for more tennis debates.

#USOpen #Tennis #Djokovic #Zverev #Alcaraz #ArthurFils #Medvedev #Shelton #Rybakina #Pegula #Anisimova #WGFPodcast

 

Timestamps:

0:45 Thoughts on Djokovic's Shocking Loss

11:34 Is the Grand Slam Dream Over?

18:06 Did the light schedule hinder him?

21:58 What Now For The Goat?

 

Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3ZIET9j

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Djokovic gets a dream US Open draw? Alcaraz gets screwed? Zverev might have the clearest path of anyone, while Fils and Rybakina could be in serious trouble. The US Open draw is HERE. 🇺🇸🎾

 

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Welcome to We’re Going Five Podcast Season 3 Episode 30, our full US Open Draw Preview.

We break down both draws from top to bottom: who got lucky, who got absolutely screwed, the first round fireworks, dangerous early matchups, Top 10 players on upset watch, our US Open Bingo cards, Ride or Die players, fan hot takes, dark horses, and finally our champions.

And with the US Open picture completely open, the arguments get VERY different.

 

 

🍀 WHO GOT LUCKY?

The guys disagree on who really received the biggest gift from the draw, but one thing is clear: there are some VERY different roads to the second week.

Does Djokovic have the path he needs to chase Grand Slam No. 25?

And after everything Zverev has done at the majors in 2026, did the draw just give him another massive opportunity?

 

💀 WHO GOT SCREWED?

How much can a difficult bracket change everything?

 

🔥 EARLY ROUND FIREWORKS

The first week is LOADED.

Potential matchups include:

Wawrinka vs Berrettini

Shelton vs Griekspoor

Fils vs Tsitsipas

Musetti vs Arthur Fery

Rafael Jodar vs Kokkinakis

And those are only some of the matches that could turn the draw upside down before we even reach the second week.

 

✈️ WHO’S TAKING THE FIRST FLIGHT HOME?

Every Slam has a Top 10 player who disappears before anyone expects it.

Our men’s upset alerts include:

Who is about to ruin thousands of brackets?

 

🎯 US OPEN BINGO

The game is back.

Everyone reveals their US Open Bingo card with predictions for the ridiculous, dramatic, and completely inevitable things we think will happen over the next two weeks.

Some of these will look genius.

Others might be dead by Day 2.

 

❤️ RIDE OR DIE

One player.

No abandoning them when things get ugly.

No changing picks halfway through the tournament.

Picks revealed in the episode.

Who are YOU riding with for the entire US Open?

 

⚽ US OPEN DRAFT

Pick players.

One team.

No second chances.

We draft our US Open squads and fight over who has built the strongest lineup for New York.

 

🌶️ FANS’ HOT TAKES

You sent them.

Now we have to judge them.

The wildest US Open opinions from the WGF community go on trial.

 

🌑 WHO IS YOUR US OPEN DARK HORSE?

The rule:

Outside the Top 8 and must reach at least the quarterfinals.

We are NOT giving these picks away here.

You have to hear the arguments.

 

🏆 WHO WINS THE US OPEN?

We make our final men’s and women’s champion picks before the first ball is hit in New York.

 

👇 DROP YOUR PICKS

Who got the easiest US Open draw?

Who got absolutely screwed?

Which Top 10 player is going home early?

And most importantly…

Who is winning the US Open?

Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3ZIET9j

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