US Open: Ben Shelton suggests rule change over champion Alexander Zverev's ball-bouncing habit
Yahoo Sports • • sports
Key Points:
- Alexander Zverev won the 2026 US Open, defeating Ben Shelton in four sets to claim his second Grand Slam title after his earlier victory at Roland-Garros.
- Zverev's serve was a key factor in his success, with Shelton breaking it only once in the match, but his lengthy ball-bouncing routines on second serves drew criticism from opponents, fans, and broadcasters.
- The absence of a time limit on second serves allowed Zverev to bounce the ball excessively, sometimes over 20 times, leading to calls from players like Shelton for new rules to limit delays between serves.
- Zverev received a time violation during the final for excessive ball-bouncing, and while some opponents found it frustrating, they acknowledged it was within the current rules.
- Despite the controversy, 2026 marked a breakthrough year for Zverev, solidifying his status as a top player with a 25-2 Grand Slam record and overcoming previous doubts about his ability to win major titles.
