Alexander Zverev continued his march toward a second Grand Slam crown by dispatching the Dutch contender Botic van de Zandschulp with a decisive 6-2, 7-5, 6-1 victory, earning a place in the US Open semi-finals. The 29-year-old, who already boasts a French Open title and a Wimbledon final appearance, began his campaign at Flushing Meadows on a tentative footing but has gradually found his rhythm as the tournament progressed. Zverev’s opening two matches both stretched to five sets, testing his stamina and mental resolve. Since then, however, he has dominated his opponents in straight sets, winning his last three matches without dropping a set.
This consistency has made him the sole player this year to reach the semi-final stage of all four Grand Slam events, underscoring his status as a true all‑court contender. Now entering his thirteenth major semi-final, Zverev will meet fellow Russian Karen Khachanov in what promises to be a compelling showdown for a coveted spot in the Sunday final. "I think you saw in the first two rounds that I really didn't play well," Zverev admitted after the match. He highlighted the grueling nature of his run, noting that he has spent 16 hours and 40 minutes on court – the longest cumulative time for any male player reaching the US Open semi-finals since 1991.
"In other tournaments I might have been knocked out in the first round, but here I can battle back, endure five‑set marathons, and play for four and a half hours. My game has improved as the tournament has gone on, and I'm genuinely thrilled to be in the semi-finals." The German's start on Arthur Ashe Stadium was far from smooth. He struggled with his service game, committing five double faults in the opening games, which gave van de Zandschulp opportunities to stay competitive. Nevertheless, the Dutchman made a series of forehand errors that allowed Zverev to break in the fifth game and seize the first set comfortably.
Van de Zandschulp rallied in the second set, tightening his play and edging closer to leveling the match. Yet Zverev absorbed the pressure, stringing together three consecutive games toward the end of the set, shifting momentum decisively in his favor.
In the third set, Zverev showcased his aggressive style, delivering a powerful overhead smash to break early and then cruising to the finish, securing his third semi‑final appearance in New York. The match also featured several broader tournament storylines.
The top‑seeded women's draw is set for an exciting semi‑final clash featuring Aryna Sabalenka and Coco Gauff, while the overall schedule continues to deliver dramatic moments, such as Ben Shelton’s marathon five‑set victory over Carlos Alcaraz, which concluded at an unprecedented 3:33 a.m. local time. These late‑night finishes have sparked discussions about potential scheduling adjustments to improve player welfare and audience experience. On the other side of the draw, Khachanov advanced to the semi‑finals after Alexander Blockx retired while trailing 6-2, 7-5, 3-2.
Blockx, the first Belgian man to reach the US Open quarter‑finals, was hampered by a pre‑existing rib injury and additional physical setbacks, including a braced right ankle and a wrapped thigh, which forced him to call for medical assistance during the match. Khachanov, world No. 50, will be making his first Grand Slam semi‑final since the 2023 Australian Open, and he expressed confidence in his preparation: "I was preparing really well for that matchup.
It wasn't easy because I felt I was dominating, and then I sensed his struggle increasing. He was suffering, but I wanted to keep the energy high.
I wish him a speedy recovery, and I'm very happy to be in the semis." The US Open continues to be broadcast live on Sky Sports from August 30, with streaming options available on NOW and the Sky Sports app, offering fans flexible ways to follow the action without a contract. Additionally, tennis enthusiasts can look forward to the Laver Cup at The O2 in London from September 25‑27, also covered by Sky Sports.
Zverev’s journey at Flushing Meadows illustrates the resilience required to succeed at the highest level of tennis. After a shaky start, he adjusted his tactics, improved his serve consistency, and leveraged his powerful groundstrokes to dominate opponents. His ability to endure long matches, as evidenced by his near‑17‑hour total court time, highlights his physical conditioning and mental toughness – qualities that will be crucial as he prepares to face Khachanov in the semi‑finals. If Zverev can maintain this upward trajectory, he stands a strong chance of adding a second Grand Slam title to his résumé, further cementing his place among the sport’s elite.