Alexander Zverev has booked his place in the US Open semi-finals, claiming victory over Dutch qualifier Botic van de Zandschulp with a scoreline of 6-2, 7-5, and 6-1. The win marks a significant milestone in the German’s quest for a second Grand Slam title.
The 29-year-old, who won the French Open and reached the Wimbledon final earlier this year, admitted his campaign at Flushing Meadows began with notable difficulties. After enduring grueling five-set matches in his opening two rounds, Zverev has now won his last three contests in straight sets. He stands as the sole male player to have reached the semi-finals at all four major championships this season.
Zverev accumulated 16 hours and 40 minutes of court time to reach the final four, the highest total for any man since 1991. Despite an erratic start that saw him commit five double faults, he capitalized on his opponent’s forehand errors to break in the fifth game of the first set. Van de Zandschulp fought back in the second set but could not withstand Zverev’s late surge, which included a three-game streak to seal the tie. The top seed closed out the match in the third set with an overhead smash to secure his third New York semi-final appearance.
“I think you saw in the first two rounds, I really didn’t play well,” Zverev said. “In other tournaments I would be out in the first round, but here I can fight back and play best of five sets, play four-and-a-half hours. I’ve started playing better throughout the tournament and I’m definitely happy to be in the semi-finals here.”
Heading into the last four, Zverev will face Karen Khachanov. The Russian reached the semi-finals via a walkover after his quarter-final opponent, Alexander Blockx, retired due to injury while trailing 6-2, 7-5, 3-2. Blockx, who had already been managing a rib issue, required medical attention for his right ankle and thigh during the match.
This result marks Khachanov’s return to the semi-finals at a major for the first time since the 2023 Australian Open. Regarding the retirement, Khachanov stated, “He was suffering, but I wanted to keep the energy there. I wish him a speedy recovery but I’m super happy I’m in the semis.”
I was worried after those first two rounds, but seeing him win three straight sets is a relief.
It’s wild that Zverev is the only man to hit all four semis this year. What a season!
Khachanov getting a walkover feels like a gift. Blockx really fell apart there.
Sixteen hours on court is insane. I hope Zverev’s legs hold up for the semis.