Alexander Zverev took another decisive stride toward securing a second Grand Slam crown when he dispatched the Dutch contender Botic van de Zandschulp with a commanding 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 Flushing Meadows campaign on a tentative footing 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 in his subsequent three encounters, winning each in straight sets and becoming the sole male player to reach the semi-final stage of all four Grand Slam events this year. Now, in his 13th major semi-final, the German will meet fellow countryman Karen Khachanov, with the winner advancing to Sunday's championship match. Reflecting on his early performances, 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 by any man to reach the US Open semi-finals since 1991. In other tournaments I might have been eliminated in the first round, but here I could fight back, endure five-set battles, and play four-and-a-half hours. My level has risen throughout the week, and I'm genuinely pleased to be in the semi-finals." The German's service game was shaky at the start of his quarter-final clash at Arthur Ashe Stadium, where he committed five double faults. Van de Zandschulp, however, struggled with his forehand, allowing Zverev to break in the fifth game and claim the opening set.
After a tighter second set in which the Dutchman rallied and threatened to level the match, Zverev steadied his nerves, seized momentum, and surged ahead with a run of three consecutive games that tipped the balance firmly in his favor. In the decisive third set, Zverev displayed his trademark power, delivering an emphatic overhead smash to break early and then cruising to the finish line, sealing his third semi-final appearance in New York. His performance not only highlighted his physical endurance but also underscored his mental growth over the course of the tournament. Meanwhile, Khachanov secured his own semi-final berth after Alexander Blockx retired while trailing 6-2, 7-5, 3-2.
The world No. 50 advanced to the final four for the first time since 2022. Blockx, the first Belgian man to reach the quarter-finals at Flushing Meadows, entered the match carrying a rib injury and was further hampered by a braced right ankle and a wrapped thigh. He repeatedly called for his trainer, indicating the severity of his physical discomfort.
Khachanov, who last reached a Grand Slam semi-final at the 2023 Australian Open, expressed confidence ahead of his meeting with Zverev. "I prepared very well for this matchup. It's not 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 thrilled to be in the semis," he said on court. 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 without contractual obligations. Fans can also catch the Laver Cup at London's O2 Arena from September 25-27, broadcast live on Sky Sports.
Zverev's journey at this year's US Open illustrates a narrative of resilience and adaptation. After a rocky start marked by inconsistent serving and early-round fatigue, he leveraged his experience from previous Grand Slam finals to adjust his tactics, improve his shot selection, and manage his physical resources more efficiently. His ability to convert early setbacks into a dominant performance against van de Zandschulp demonstrates the depth of his competitive character.
Looking ahead, the semi-final clash with Khachanov promises a compelling showdown between two of Europe's most formidable players. Zverev will aim to capitalize on his upward trajectory, while Khachanov will seek to exploit any lingering vulnerabilities in the German's game.
Regardless of the outcome, Zverev's progress underscores his status as a serious contender for the US Open title and reinforces his claim to being among the elite in men's tennis today.