Alexander Zverev reaches US Open semi-finals

Top seed Alexander Zverev is through to the US Open semi-finals after defeating Botic van de Zandschulp 6-2, 7-5, 6-1 on Thursday. The German will face Karen Khachanov for a place in Sunday's final.

Zverev, the 29-year-old French Open champion and Wimbledon runner-up, has now reached the semi-finals of all four Grand Slam tournaments this year. This marks his 13th major semi-final overall and his third at Flushing Meadows, having been the runner-up there in 2020.

A Steadying Campaign

The world number one admitted to a shaky start in New York. "I think you saw in the first two rounds, I really didn't play well," Zverev told reporters Sports. He revealed he has spent 16 hours and 40 minutes on court, the most by any man en route to the US Open semi-finals since 1991. He fought through two five-set matches early on but has won his last three matches in straight sets, steadily improving his form.

Against Van de Zandschulp, Zverev's serve was erratic early, producing five double faults. The Dutchman, however, made costly forehand errors, allowing Zverev to secure a break in the fifth game and take the opening set. Van de Zandschulp challenged in the second set, but Zverev absorbed the pressure and won three consecutive games late to seize control for good.

Khachanov's Path via Retirement

Karen Khachanov booked his semi-final spot without finishing his quarter-final. His opponent, Alexander Blockx, retired while trailing 6-2, 7-5, 3-2. Blockx, the first Belgian man to reach the US Open quarter-finals, entered the match with a rib injury and was further hampered by apparent physical issues, wearing an ankle brace and thigh wrapping.

Khachanov, the world number 50, is through to his first Grand Slam semi-final since the 2023 Australian Open and his first in New York since 2022. "I was preparing really well for that match-up; it's not easy because I feel I was dominating then I felt he was struggling more and more," Khachanov said on court. He wished Blockx a speedy recovery but expressed his happiness at advancing.

The Semi-final Match-up

The upcoming semi-final presents a contrast in journeys. Zverev has battled through significant court time, while Khachanov arrives relatively fresh after a shortened quarter-final. Zverev fired an overhead smash to break early in the third set against Van de Zandschulp and cruised to victory from there, looking increasingly dominant.

Both men now focus on the last-four clash. The winner will earn a place in the US Open final, scheduled for Sunday at Arthur Ashe Stadium.