Alexander Zverev beats Karen Khachanov to reach US Open final

Alexander Zverev advanced to the US Open final for the second time in his career after a hard-fought three-set victory over Karen Khachanov on Friday, September 11, 2026. The German, who had previously lost to Dominic Thiem in the 2020 US Open final, secured his place in the championship match with a 6-3, 7-6 (7), 7-6 (6) win, marking his third consecutive Grand Slam final appearance.

Zverev's Third Consecutive Grand Slam Final

Zverev's path to the US Open final has been defined by resilience and consistency. After a slow start to the tournament, including five-set matches against Lorenzo Sonego and Quentin Halys, the German found his rhythm in the later rounds. He has not dropped a set since the third round, a stark contrast to his earlier struggles.

The victory over Khachanov, a fellow 29-year-old from Russia, was a tightly contested affair. Both players traded breaks in the second and third sets, with Zverev ultimately prevailing in a decisive tiebreaker. The German's ability to maintain composure under pressure was a key factor, as he saved two set points in the third set and converted his second match point to clinch the match.

"Sometimes just things go your way," Zverev said in his post-match interview. "I feel like I've had a lot of struggle at the major level. I was so close so many times, and maybe this year God has said this is going to be your year."

A Hard-Fought Semifinal

The semifinal against Khachanov was marked by its intensity and the players' familiarity. The two have competed since their junior days, and their history was evident in the match's back-and-forth nature. Khachanov, who entered the tournament with a losing record for the season, showed flashes of brilliance, particularly in the second set, where he forced a tiebreaker after breaking Zverev's serve.

Zverev's first set was decisive, as he broke Khachanov's serve at 5-3 to take control. However, the Russian fought back in the second set, saving a set point with a 22-shot rally and eventually forcing a tiebreaker. The third set was a battle of nerves, with Khachanov taking a 5-2 lead in the tiebreaker before Zverev staged a remarkable comeback to win the final seven points.

The crowd at Arthur Ashe Stadium, typically electric, was subdued during much of the match, reflecting the lack of dramatic momentum swings. However, a 34-shot rally in the third set drew one of the day's loudest cheers. Zverev's ability to adapt and improve after his second-round struggles was a recurring theme in his post-match comments.

"After the second round, at about 3am, I was sitting with my team in the locker room, and we were laughing about how bad I was playing," Zverev said. "That sense of humor helped me. Moving forward, I was playing much better tennis."

Zverev's Comments on the American Final

Zverev, the top seed at the US Open, has made it clear that he aims to prevent an American player from claiming the title. He will face either Ben Shelton or Frances Tiafoe in the final, both of whom are seeking their first major championship. The U.S. has not produced a men's Grand Slam champion since Andy Roddick in 2003.

"Hopefully I can not make the American dream come true on Sunday," Zverev said, referencing the popularity of Shelton and Tiafoe among New York fans. His comments reflect a strategic mindset, as he holds a 14-1 record against both players in their head-to-head matchups.

Zverev's confidence is bolstered by his recent success, including his French Open title in June and a runner-up finish at Wimbledon in July. However, the path to the final has not been without challenges. Khachanov's unexpected run to the semifinals, including his third Grand Slam semifinal appearance, was a reminder of the tournament's unpredictability.

The Road to the Final

Zverev's journey to the US Open final has been marked by a mix of adversity and triumph. After a difficult start to the season, including a loss to Tiafoe in 2017, he has transformed into a consistent force on the ATP Tour. His ability to adapt his game, particularly after the second round, has been critical to his success.

The German's performance against Khachanov was proof of his mental and physical resilience. Despite the pressure of a tightly contested match, Zverev remained focused, leveraging his serve and net play to secure victory. His next challenge will be against either Shelton or Tiafoe, with the winner of their semifinal set to face him on Sunday, September 13.

As the tournament reaches its climax, all eyes will be on Zverev as he aims to win his second Grand Slam title. Whether he faces Shelton or Tiafoe, the German will enter the final as a strong favorite, buoyed by his recent form and his determination to end his long wait for a second major championship.

The US Open final will be the next major test for Zverev, as he seeks to cement his legacy as one of the sport's elite players. With the stage set for a high-stakes showdown, the tennis world awaits the outcome of the Shelton-Tiafoe semifinal and Zverev's bid for a second major title.