Alexander Zverev continued his march toward a second Grand Slam crown by dispatching Dutch qualifier Botic van de Zandschulp in straight sets, 6-2 7-5 6-1, to secure a place in the US Open semi-finals. The 29‑year‑old, who already holds a French Open title and was a Wimbledon finalist, began his Flushing Meadows campaign on shaky ground but gradually found his rhythm and confidence as the tournament progressed. Zverev’s opening two matches both stretched to five sets, testing his stamina and mental resilience. However, after those grueling encounters he settled into a more dominant pattern, winning his next three matches without dropping a set.

This consistency has made him the only player this season to reach the semi‑final stage of all four major championships, underscoring his status as one of the year’s most reliable performers on the biggest stages. Now, in his thirteenth career Grand Slam semi‑final, Zverev will meet fellow Russian Karen Khachanov.

The winner of that clash will earn the right to compete in Sunday’s final, where a potential showdown with rising stars such as Jannik Sinner or Carlos Alcaraz could be on the cards. Reflecting on his early-round play, Zverev admitted, "In the first two rounds I didn’t play at my best.

I’ve spent 16 hours and 40 minutes on court so far, which is the most any man has logged to reach the US Open semi‑finals since 1991. In other tournaments I might have been knocked out in round one, but here I can fight back, endure five‑set battles and still keep improving.

I’m thrilled to be in the semi‑finals." His admission was particularly relevant at Arthur Ashe Stadium, where his service game was initially erratic, producing five double faults and allowing Van de Zandschulp to seize a few early opportunities. Nevertheless, the Dutchman’s forehand mistakes in the opening games enabled Zverev to break in the fifth game and take the first set comfortably.

After the first set, Van de Zandschulp rallied in the second, narrowing the gap and threatening to level the match. Zverev, however, remained composed, weathering the Dutchman’s surge and then launching a three‑game streak that swung momentum decisively in his favour. By the start of the third set, Zverev’s confidence was evident; he unleashed a powerful overhead smash to secure an early break and never looked back, cruising to a convincing victory and his third semi‑final appearance in New York.

The path to this stage has not been without drama elsewhere in the draw. Khachanov earned his semi‑final berth 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 lingering rib injury and additional physical setbacks, including a strapped right ankle and a wrapped thigh, which forced him to call for medical assistance during the match.

Khachanov, ranked world No. 50, has not reached a Grand Slam semi‑final since the 2023 Australian Open, making his resurgence a notable storyline. Speaking after his victory, Khachanov said, "I prepared well for this matchup. It wasn’t easy because I felt I was dominating at times, but his struggle grew as the match went on.

I wanted to keep the energy high. I wish him a speedy recovery and I’m very happy to be back in the semi‑finals." Both semi‑finalists now face the pressure of a Grand Slam final that could define their legacies.

For Zverev, a win would cement his place among the elite, adding a second major title to his résumé and potentially shifting the conversation about the world’s best player. For Khachanov, a victory would mark a remarkable comeback and a chance to claim his first Grand Slam final appearance. 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. Additionally, tennis enthusiasts can catch the Laver Cup at the O2 in London from September 25‑27, also televised on Sky Sports.

The tournament’s high‑stakes atmosphere, combined with the personal narratives of players like Zverev and Khachanov, promises compelling drama as the final rounds unfold.