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 semi-finals. The 29‑year‑old, who already boasts a French Open title and a Wimbledon final appearance, began his Flushing Meadows campaign with a tentative start but has gradually found his rhythm as the tournament progressed. In the opening rounds Zverev was forced into grueling five‑set battles, yet after those early tests he has dominated his last three matches in straight sets. This consistency makes him the sole player this year to have reached the semi‑final stage at all four majors, underscoring his versatility across surfaces and conditions.
Now, heading into his thirteenth Grand Slam semi‑final overall, Zverev will meet fellow Russian Karen Khachanov in a clash that will determine who advances to Sunday's championship match. Reflecting on his early performances, Zveriv admitted, "You saw in the first two rounds that I really didn't play well. I spent 16 hours and 40 minutes on court – the most any man has logged to reach the US Open semi‑finals since 1991. In other tournaments I might have fallen in the first round, but here I could fight back, endure best‑of‑five sets, and play for four and a half hours.
I've improved throughout the event and I'm genuinely delighted to be in the semi‑finals." His serve was far from flawless at the start of the Arthur Ashe encounter, riddled with five double faults that hinted at instability. However, van de Zandschulp's own forehand missteps allowed the top seed to break early in the fifth game and seize the first set with relative ease.
The Dutchman rallied in the second set, tightening his game and edging closer to leveling the match, but Zverev's composure under pressure proved decisive. He rallied to win three consecutive games toward the end of the second set, shifting momentum firmly in his favor. In the decisive third set, Zverev displayed his trademark power, unleashing a crisp overhead smash that broke his opponent's serve early. From that point, the German star coasted to a comfortable finish, sealing his third semi‑final appearance at the New York venue.
Meanwhile, Khachanov's path to the last four was marked by an unusual circumstance: he advanced when Alexander Blockx retired trailing 6-2, 7-5, 3-2. Blockx, the first Belgian man to ever reach the US Open quarter‑finals, had entered the match nursing a rib injury and was further hampered by a strapped right ankle and a wrapped thigh. The 21‑year‑old even called for his trainer during the contest, indicating the severity of his physical limitations.
Khachanov, ranked world No. 50, will be making his first Grand Slam semi‑final since the 2023 Australian Open, a milestone he described as a rewarding culmination of his preparation.
"I prepared very well for this match‑up; it's not easy because I felt I was dominating and then saw him struggling more and more," Khachanov said on court. "He was suffering, but I wanted to keep the energy there.
I wish him a speedy recovery, and I'm thrilled to be in the semis." Zverev's journey through the tournament has been a study in resilience. After enduring lengthy five‑set duels in his opening matches, he managed to trim match times and conserve energy, a factor that may prove crucial as he faces a fresh Khachanov. The German's ability to adapt his game plan—tightening his serve, reducing unforced errors, and capitalising on his opponent's weaknesses—highlights his tactical maturity. Beyond the on‑court action, the US Open continues to draw global attention, with live coverage on Sky Sports starting August 30 and streaming options available via NOW and the Sky Sports app.
Fans can also enjoy related tennis events, such as the Laver Cup at The O2 in London later in September, further emphasizing the sport's worldwide appeal. Looking ahead, Zverev's semi‑final encounter promises a compelling narrative: a seasoned Grand Slam contender versus a hungry Russian eager to replicate his 2023 Australian Open success.
Both players have demonstrated the physical stamina and mental fortitude required for the five‑set format, suggesting a tightly contested battle for a coveted spot in the final. If Zverev can maintain the level of play that saw him dominate van de Zandschulp, particularly his aggressive baseline strokes and precise serve placement, he will pose a formidable challenge for Khachanov. Conversely, Khachanov's powerful groundstrokes and experience in high‑pressure matches could test Zverev's consistency. The upcoming semi‑final not only determines who will compete for the championship but also offers a glimpse into the evolving hierarchy of men's tennis.
With emerging talents like Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz also in the mix, Zverev's claim of being the best player in the world adds an extra layer of intrigue to the narrative. Regardless of the outcome, Zverev's performance at the US Open underscores his capacity to rebound from early setbacks, adjust his strategy, and thrive under the tournament's demanding conditions. His journey from a rocky start to a dominant semi‑final berth exemplifies the perseverance and adaptability that define elite athletes.
The final match, set for Sunday, will cap off a week of high‑octane tennis, with spectators worldwide tuning in to witness whether Zverev can translate his recent surge into a second Grand Slam triumph, or if Khachanov will seize the moment and claim his place in tennis history.