The short version
- Alexander Zverev reached all four Grand Slam semi-finals in a single season for the first time, winning despite staying up until 3:30 am to watch the previous night's quarter-final.
- Karen Khachanov advanced to the semi-finals after his opponent, Alexander Blockx, retired from their match due to compounding injuries including a blister and back pain.
- Zverev has won 23 major singles matches in 2026, setting a new record for German men in a single season and surpassing Boris Becker's previous mark.
Alexander Zverev secured his place in the US Open semi-finals with a dominant three-set victory over Botic van de Zandschulp, marking a significant milestone in his career. The top seed reached the last four of all four Grand Slam tournaments in a single season for the first time, cementing his status as the favorite to claim the title following the elimination of defending champion Carlos Alcaraz. Zverev’s path to this stage was not without physical toll; he admitted to staying awake until 3:30 am local time to watch the blockbuster quarter-final between Ben Shelton and Alcaraz, which concluded at 03:34 am, the latest finish in the tournament's history.
Despite the lack of sleep, Zverev performed with precision on Arthur Ashe Stadium’s night court, sweeping past the Dutchman with a scoreline of 6-2, 7-5, 6-1. He explained that his decision to remain awake was strategic, noting that he had planned to sleep until 1 pm anyway and preferred to watch the television coverage rather than rest. This late-night vigil followed a grueling start to his own campaign, with his opening three matches ending at 1:55 am, 2:15 am, and 1:09 am respectively. The cumulative effect of these late finishes has tested his endurance, though he appeared unaffected by the fatigue during his quarter-final performance.
Zverev’s journey to the semi-finals has been characterized by resilience rather than dominance in the early rounds. He was pushed to five sets in both his first and second matches, conceding a total of 80 games through those initial stages. This figure represents the second-highest number of games lost by any top seed en route to the semi-finals since Rafael Nadal’s 2018 campaign, in which he lost 85 games. Zverev acknowledged his slow start, admitting that his play in the first two rounds was poor and that he would likely have been eliminated in other tournaments. However, the best-of-five format allowed him to recover and improve as the tournament progressed.
The German’s performance has set new historical benchmarks for his countrymen. With 23 singles match victories at major tournaments in 2026, Zverev has surpassed Boris Becker’s record of 22 wins in a single season, established in 1989. This achievement underscores a significant step forward in his career, particularly after securing his maiden Grand Slam title at the French Open earlier this year and reaching the Wimbledon final. Zverev reflected on the normalization of reaching such advanced stages, describing it as a special feeling that should never be taken for granted.
Zverev’s semi-final opponent will be Karen Khachanov, who advanced after his quarter-final match against Alexander Blockx ended in retirement. The 21-year-old Belgian had made history by reaching his first Grand Slam quarter-final, but his run came to an abrupt end due to physical distress. Blockx initially received medical treatment for a blister on his foot before struggling with back issues during the match. He had previously dealt with a rib injury in the fourth round and expressed concern about exacerbating his conditions, ultimately deciding to retire while trailing 6-2, 7-5, 3-2.
Blockx described the experience as increasingly painful, noting that he could not land without feeling discomfort in his back and ribs. He opted to withdraw to avoid missing the remainder of the season, laughing off the situation as something new and unexpected for him. Khachanov wished his opponent a speedy recovery after securing his own place in the semi-finals, marking his first appearance at this stage of a major since the Australian Open in 2023.
Khachanov’s path to the semi-finals has been marked by a decline in ranking and form. The 30-year-old Russian, a former world number eight, currently sits at number 50 in the rankings, making him unseeded at a major for the first time since 2018. He acknowledged the challenge ahead, stating that he would need to produce his best form to defeat Zverev and reach his first Grand Slam final. Khachanov praised Zverev’s recent achievements, including his French Open victory and Wimbledon final appearance, noting the German’s hot streak.
Zverev expressed respect for Khachanov’s tactical intelligence, referring to him as 'The Professor' due to his extensive knowledge of tennis mechanics and string tensions. The German warned that Khachanov’s deep understanding of the game presents a unique challenge, requiring careful preparation. As the tournament moves into its final stages, Zverev must balance his momentum with the need to adapt to an opponent who relies on strategic precision rather than raw power.
The upcoming semi-final promises to be a clash between Zverev’s resurgent form and Khachanov’s tactical acumen. While Zverev has overcome early-round struggles and sleep deprivation to reach this point, Khachanov must rebound from a period of disappointing results to compete at the highest level. The outcome will determine who advances to challenge for the US Open title, with both players bringing distinct strengths and recent narratives to the court.
As the tournament concludes its quarter-final stage, attention shifts to the remaining matches and the implications for the final standings. Zverev’s record-breaking season continues to draw comparisons to past German champions, while Khachanov’s resurgence offers a compelling counter-narrative of perseverance. The semi-finals will test whether Zverev can maintain his peak performance or if Khachanov’s strategic approach can disrupt the top seed’s momentum.
Sources behind this briefing
Go to the original reporting
- BBC Sport↗Zverev storms into semi-finals despite late bedtime
