Alexander Zverev continued his march toward a second Grand Slam crown by dispatching the Dutch competitor Botic van de Zandschulp with a convincing 6-2, 7-5, 6-1 victory, securing his 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 in less than ideal fashion, but his form has steadily improved as the tournament progressed. Zverev’s opening two matches both stretched to five sets, testing his stamina and mental resilience. Since then, however, he has reclaimed control, winning his last three encounters in straight sets.
This consistency has made him the sole player this year to reach the semi‑final stage at all four majors, underscoring his versatility across different surfaces and conditions. Now entering his thirteenth major semi‑final, Zverev will meet fellow Russian Karen Khachanov in the penultimate round, with a spot in Sunday’s championship match at stake. Reflecting on his early struggles, Zverev admitted, "You saw in the first two rounds that I really didn’t play well.
I’ve logged 16 hours and 40 minutes on court, the most any man has spent to reach the US Open semi‑finals since 1991. In other tournaments I might have been knocked out in the first round, but here I could fight back, endure five‑set battles, and play for four and a half hours. My level has risen throughout the week and I’m genuinely thrilled to be in the semi‑finals." The German’s service game was shaky at the start of his quarter‑final clash in Arthur Ashe Stadium. He double‑faulted five times, allowing van de Zandschulp to stay competitive.
Nevertheless, the Dutchman’s forehand proved unreliable, committing a series of unforced errors that enabled Zverev to break in the fifth game and take the opening set comfortably. Van de Zandschulp rallied in the second set, pushing Zverev and edging the scoreline, but the German maintained composure under pressure. He seized momentum by winning three consecutive games toward the end of the set, swinging the tide decisively in his favor. In the third set, Zverev unleashed a powerful overhead smash to secure an early break, after which he never looked back, cruising to a straight‑set win and booking his third semi‑final appearance at the US Open.
The match also featured broader tournament narratives. Ben Shelton defeated Frances Tiafoe in a parallel quarter‑final, setting up a potential showdown with Zverev in the final. Meanwhile, speculation swirls around whether Aryna Sabalenka can achieve a historic three‑peat, or if the newly crowned world No. 1 Elena Rybakina will claim her first major title in New York.
Elsewhere in the draw, Karen Khachanov advanced after Alexander Blockx retired trailing 6-2, 7-5, 3-2. The Belgian youngster, the first from his country to reach the US Open quarter‑finals, had been battling a rib injury and additional physical setbacks, including a strapped right ankle and a wrapped thigh. Despite his evident discomfort, Blockx called for his trainer multiple times before conceding the match. Khachanov, who last reached a Grand Slam semi‑final at the 2023 Australian Open, expressed confidence ahead of his encounter with Zverev: "I prepared very well for this matchup; it’s not easy because I felt I was dominating, then I sensed he was struggling more and more.
He was suffering, but I wanted to keep the energy high. I wish him a speedy recovery and I’m extremely happy to be back in the semis." The US Open continues to attract a global audience, with live coverage on Sky Sports beginning August 30 and streaming options available via NOW and the Sky Sports App, offering contract‑free access.
Fans can also enjoy related events such as the Laver Cup, scheduled at The O2 in London from September 25‑27, broadcast live on the same platform. Beyond the immediate results, Zverev’s journey illustrates the physical and mental demands of modern tennis. Spending nearly 17 hours on court—a benchmark not seen since 1991—highlights his endurance and ability to adapt mid‑tournament.
His evolution from a tentative start to a dominant performance underscores the importance of resilience, strategic adjustments, and the capacity to capitalize on opponents’ errors. Looking ahead, the semi‑final clash with Khachanov promises a tactical battle. Zverev’s powerful baseline game and improved serve will be tested against Khachanov’s aggressive shot‑making and experience in high‑pressure situations. Both players have navigated grueling paths to reach this stage, and the outcome will likely hinge on who can sustain focus and execute under the bright lights of Arthur Ashe Stadium.
In summary, Alexander Zverev’s US Open campaign has transformed from a rocky opening into a display of poise and dominance, culminating in a semi‑final berth that sets the stage for a potential historic final appearance. Whether he can capture his second Grand Slam title remains to be seen, but his performance thus far has reaffirmed his status as one of the sport’s premier competitors.