Alexander Zverev Reaches US Open Final After Khachanov Test
Sandego.net – No 1 seed Alexander Zverev is through to the US Open final after defeating Karen Khachanov in a demanding straight-sets semifinal at Arthur Ashe Stadium on Friday.
The German won 6-3, 7-6 (7), 7-6 (6) to secure his second appearance in the US Open championship match. Although Zverev did not drop a set, Khachanov made him work through two tense tiebreaks and several high-pressure moments.
Zverev will play for the title on Sunday at 2 p.m. ET against either No. 8 seed Ben Shelton or No. 11 seed Frances Tiafoe. Both Americans entered their semifinal looking to reach a first Grand Slam final.
Zverev takes control before Khachanov responds
The top seed began strongly, taking the opening set 6-3 as Khachanov made nearly twice as many unforced errors. The Russian recovered quickly, however, and made the second set far more competitive.
Khachanov held firm on serve and pushed the match into a tiebreak, where Zverev eventually prevailed 7-6 (7). The third set followed a similarly tight pattern, with neither player able to create a decisive gap.
At 6-5 in the third set, Zverev raised concerns with the chair umpire about sunlight reflecting from open suite doors. The complaint was met with a negative reaction from the crowd, and he lost the following game to send the set into another tiebreak.
Late comeback secures place in championship match
No 1 seed Alexander Zverev fell behind 4-1 in the final tiebreak but recovered when the semifinal appeared to be slipping away. He fought back to level the score at 6-6, saved two set points and then converted match point to end Khachanov’s challenge.
The victory gives Zverev another chance to win the US Open after losing the 2020 final. Sunday will also be his third consecutive Grand Slam final following his first major title at Roland Garros in early June.
“I think it’s going to be incredibly special. Especially these two guys, Frances and Ben, crowd favorites here in New York. Everybody loves them. … Hopefully I can not make the American dream.”
If Shelton or Tiafoe reaches the final, Zverev will face a strong home-crowd atmosphere in New York. His experience in major finals could be an important factor against either American.
Shelton and Tiafoe Chase Historic US Open Opportunity
The second semifinal carries major significance for American men’s tennis. Its winner will become the first American man to reach the US Open final since Taylor Fritz in 2024.
Shelton or Tiafoe would also have an opportunity to become the first American man to win the tournament since Andy Roddick in 2003. Neither player has previously reached a Grand Slam final.
The match is historic for another reason: Shelton and Tiafoe are the first two Black American men to meet in a US Open men’s singles semifinal. Their meeting guarantees that a Black American man will reach the final for the first time since Arthur Ashe’s last championship-match appearance at the tournament in 1972.
Khachanov leaves New York after a resilient performance that pushed Zverev throughout the final two sets. Zverev’s composure in the tiebreaks, though, kept his pursuit of the US Open title alive.
US Open Final FAQ
When is the US Open men’s final?
The men’s final is scheduled for Sunday at 2 p.m. ET.
Who will Alexander Zverev play in the final?
Zverev will face either Ben Shelton or Frances Tiafoe, who were scheduled to meet in the other semifinal.
What was the score in Zverev vs. Khachanov?
Zverev defeated Khachanov 6-3, 7-6 (7), 7-6 (6).
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