Alexander Zverev continued his march toward a second Grand Slam crown by dispatching Dutch competitor Botic van de Zandschulp with a commanding 6-2, 7-5, 6-1 victory, securing his place in the US Open semifinals. The 29-year-old, who previously captured the French Open title and finished runner-up at Wimbledon, endured a tentative start to his campaign at Flushing Meadows but gradually found his rhythm as the tournament progressed. Zverev’s opening two matches both stretched to five sets, testing his stamina and resolve. However, he turned the tide by winning his subsequent three matches in straight sets, a feat that makes him the sole player this year to reach the semifinals of all four majors.
Now, in his thirteenth career major semifinal, he will meet fellow Russian Karen Khachanov for a coveted spot in Sunday’s championship match. Reflecting on his early rounds, Zverev admitted, "In the first two rounds I didn’t play at my best. I’ve logged 16 hours and 40 minutes on court, the most any man has accumulated to reach the US Open semifinals since 1991.
In other tournaments I might have bowed out in round one, but here I could battle through five-set marathons and still be standing. My level has risen throughout the event and I’m genuinely thrilled to be in the last four." The German’s service game was shaky at the start of the quarterfinal at Arthur Ashe Stadium, as he delivered five double faults in a jittery opening. Van de Zandschulp, however, struggled with forehand inaccuracies, allowing Zverev to break in the fifth game and take the first set comfortably. After a brief intermission, the Dutchman rallied in the second set, pushing Zverev to the brink of a comeback.
Yet the German maintained composure, stringing together three consecutive games toward the end of the set, shifting momentum decisively in his favor. In the third set, Zverev unleashed a powerful overhead smash to secure an early break, and from that point he cruised to the finish line, sealing his third semifinal appearance in New York. His performance underscored a remarkable transformation from a tentative start to a dominant finish, showcasing both mental resilience and technical precision. Meanwhile, on the opposite side of the draw, Karen Khachanov earned his semifinal berth after Alexander Blockx retired while trailing 6-2, 7-5, 3-2.
The world No. 50’s advance marks his first appearance in a Grand Slam semifinal since the 2023 Australian Open.
Blockx, the first Belgian man to reach the US Open quarterfinals, entered the match nursing a rib injury and additional physical setbacks, including a brace on his right ankle and a thigh wrap. He repeatedly called for medical assistance during the contest, indicating the severity of his condition. Khachanov, who had prepared extensively for this encounter, commented, "I felt in control for most of the match, though I could see his struggles mounting.
He was clearly in pain, but I wanted to keep the intensity high. I wish him a swift recovery and I’m delighted to be back in the semifinals." The upcoming semifinal promises a clash of contrasting styles: Zverev’s aggressive baseline play and powerful serve against Khachanov’s solid all‑court game and tactical acumen.
Both athletes have demonstrated the capacity to endure long rallies and manage the physical demands of best‑of‑five matches, a crucial factor as they vie for a spot in the final. Beyond the on‑court action, the US Open continues to draw global attention.
Broadcasts are available on Sky Sports from August 30, with streaming options on NOW and the Sky Sports App offering contract‑free viewing. Fans can also experience the Laver Cup live at The O2 in London from September 25‑27, further highlighting the tournament’s significance within the tennis calendar. As the semifinals approach, the narrative surrounding Zverev’s journey is one of perseverance and adaptation. From a shaky service rhythm to a dominant display, his evolution epitomizes the unpredictable nature of Grand Slam competition.
Whether he can convert this momentum into a title remains to be seen, but his performance thus far has cemented his status as a formidable contender for the championship. The stakes are high, the crowds are eager, and the atmosphere at Flushing Meadows is electric. With the final set of matches looming, tennis enthusiasts worldwide will be watching closely to see which player can navigate the pressure, harness their strengths, and ultimately claim the coveted US Open trophy.