Alexander Zverev defeated Karen Khachanov 6-3, 7-6 (9-7), 7-6 (8-6) at the US Open on Friday to reach his third consecutive Grand Slam final and advance to his second title decider at Flushing Meadows. The top seed overcame a slow start to the tournament and two set points in the third-set tie-break to secure his seventh win in 10 meetings against the world number 50, moving one step closer to capturing his second major title of the year after his French Open triumph in June.
Zverev Secures Straight-Sets Win Over Khachanov
Alexander Zverev put in a commanding performance to eliminate Karen Khachanov in straight sets at Flushing Meadows. The German player won 13 of 15 points behind his first serve and swept all nine points at the net in the opening set before breaking the Russian to go 5-3 up and serve out the opener. Khachanov struck back in the second set to break Zverev, ending a run of 37 consecutive service games where the top seed had held serve without being broken. Zverev recovered during a draining 14-minute tie-break, utilizing his baseline defense to convert a set point.
The third set remained strictly on serve without a single break point conceded by either player before heading into another tie-break. Khachanov quickly established a lead and earned two set points, both of which Zverev successfully saved. The top seed capitalized when Khachanov hit a forehand long to clinch the victory. Following the match, Zverev acknowledged his early-tournament struggles, telling reporters that he and his team were laughing in the locker room at 3 a.m. after the second round about how poorly he was playing.
Path to the US Open Final and Grand Slam Consistency
With world number one Jannik Sinner and defending champion Carlos Alcaraz hampered by injuries throughout the season, Alexander Zverev has maintained remarkable consistency across all four major tournaments. Zverev reached the semi-finals at all four Grand Slams this year, adding a Wimbledon final appearance in July where he lost in four sets to Sinner. Zverev holds a 24-2 record in Grand Slam matches this season.
Despite arriving in New York as the tournament favorite following his Roland Garros title, Zverev battled through five-set matches in his opening two rounds before finding his rhythm. He has not dropped a set since those initial struggles. The victory sends the 29-year-old into his sixth major final overall, recalling his previous five-set loss to Dominic Thiem in the 2020 US Open final.
Did you know? Alexander Zverev’s victory over Karen Khachanov marked his seventh career win against the Russian out of 10 total meetings.
Upcoming Sunday Showpiece Against American Opposition
Alexander Zverev will face either eighth seed Ben Shelton or 11th seed Frances Tiafoe in Sunday’s championship match at Flushing Meadows. The two American players are scheduled to meet in the Friday night session to determine who advances to the final. Zverev expressed anticipation for the contest between the two crowd favorites.
“I think it will be incredibly special especially, these two guys are crowd favourites and everyone loves them,” Zverev said. “Tonight will be an epic semi-final and I am looking forward to watching it. Hopefully I can not make their American dream come true.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Who did Alexander Zverev beat to reach the US Open final?
Alexander Zverev defeated Karen Khachanov in straight sets, 6-3, 7-6 (9-7), 7-6 (8-6), to reach the US Open final.
Who will Alexander Zverev play in the US Open final?
Zverev will face the winner of the semi-final match between eighth seed Ben Shelton and 11th seed Frances Tiafoe.
How many Grand Slam finals has Alexander Zverev reached?
With this result, Zverev has reached his sixth major final and his third consecutive Grand Slam final of the year, following his French Open title and Wimbledon runner-up finish.
Stay Updated on the US Open
Subscribe to our newsletter for daily tennis updates, match analysis, and expert tournament coverage delivered straight to your inbox.
Subscribe NowWorth a look