Alexander Zverev reached his third consecutive Grand Slam final by defeating Karen Khachanov in a tightly contested US Open semi-final on Arthur Ashe Stadium. The top seed prevailed 6-3, 7-6(7), 7-6(6) in a match decided by two tiebreaks, with Khachanov mounting a strong challenge before falling short in the decisive moments. Zverev will face Ben Shelton in the final on 13 September, seeking to claim his second major title of 2026 after his triumph at Roland Garros.
The German's path through the tournament has been remarkable. After battling through two five-set matches early in the draw, Zverev has not dropped a set since, demonstrating the consistency required to reach the final four of all four Grand Slams in a single season for the first time in his career. According to Tennis Majors, this victory marks his sixth career Grand Slam final appearance.
Khachanov's remarkable resurgence came to an end in the semi-final, though his fortnight at Flushing Meadows represented a dramatic turnaround in form. The Russian began 2026 with a record of 16-18 and had slipped to world No. 50, but his performances over the past two weeks elevated him far above his ranking. He reached the semi-finals for the first time since 2022, eliminating three seeded opponents along the way, including third seed Felix Auger-Aliassime in the second round.
Zverev holds a commanding 6-3 career head-to-head record against Khachanov. The pair met twice during the North American swing in 2025, with Khachanov claiming victory at the Canadian Open semi-finals before retiring during their Cincinnati fourth-round encounter. Their sole Grand Slam meeting came at the 2018 French Open, when Zverev won in five sets during the fourth round.
How did the match unfold?
Zverev controlled the opening set with relative ease, breaking Khachanov's serve and establishing an early rhythm to claim the first set 6-3. However, Khachanov responded with greater intensity in the second set, forcing the match into a tiebreak. According to ESPN, Zverev recovered from a losing position in both tiebreaks to secure the second set 7-6(7) and maintain his momentum into the third. The third set followed a similar pattern, with another tiebreak required to separate the players, and Zverev again prevailed 7-6(6) to seal his place in the final.
What did the players say beforehand?
Khachanov acknowledged the challenge posed by his opponent before the match.
I will have to come up with the best form. I will have to have patience, to take control in the middle, to dictate, but not to rush. You know, to build the point in the right way, and then whenever I see and I feel the chance … At some point you have to make the difference. And obviously serve, return. He has a big, big first serve, great return. So I have to be focused on that as well.
Zverev spoke respectfully of his opponent, noting their long history together.
We had some great matches. He's leading the head-to-head, I think, 6-3 if I'm right, tough battles. Last year I won in Canada, which was a very important one after a few defeats that I had against him.He continued:
He's a great guy. I've known him for many, many years, somebody that I grew up with playing junior tournaments. Again, I have massive respect for him. I hope it's going to be a great battle on Friday.
Zverev's path to the semi-final
The German's journey through the draw showcased his improving form as the tournament progressed. He opened with a gruelling five-set victory over Lorenzo Sonego, winning 6-4, 3-6, 6-7(7), 7-5, 6-4 in the first round. Zverev then defeated Quentin Halys 6-4, 4-6, 7-6(3), 6-7(3), 6-3 in another five-set encounter, but from the third round onwards, his dominance became apparent.
Against 25th seed Alejandro Tobillo, Zverev won 6-2, 7-6(2), 6-2. He then dispatched Luciano Darderi 6-2, 6-2, 7-6(3) in the fourth round before dismantling Botic van de Zandschulp 6-2, 7-5, 6-1 in the quarter-final. This semi-final victory represents his third consecutive appearance in a Grand Slam final, following his recent success at Roland Garros and his runner-up finish at Wimbledon.
Khachanov's impressive run
Khachanov's tournament began with a straightforward victory over Román Andrés Burruchaga, winning 6-3, 6-0, 6-1. His breakthrough came in the second round when he defeated third seed Felix Auger-Aliassime 6-7(5), 6-3, 6-2, 6-2, a result that signalled his return to form. He continued his momentum by beating Benjamin Bonzi 6-3, 6-2, 6-4 in the third round.
The fourth round saw Khachanov overcome Learner Tien in a five-set thriller, prevailing 7-5, 4-6, 6-7(6), 6-1, 6-4. In the quarter-final, he faced 28th seed Alexander Blockx, who was forced to retire injured during the third set with Khachanov leading 6-2, 7-5, 3-2. This marked the third seeded player Khachanov had eliminated during his run to the semi-finals.
Women's doubles champions crowned
Earlier on the day of the men's semi-final, Katerina Siniakova and Taylor Townsend were crowned women's doubles champions at Flushing Meadows. The top seeds completed their career Grand Slam by defeating Robin Montgomery and Ashlyn Krueger 5-7, 6-0, 6-2 in the final on Arthur Ashe Stadium. Siniakova and Townsend had previously won Wimbledon in 2024, the Australian Open in 2025, and the French Open earlier in 2026.
What happens next?
Zverev will face Ben Shelton in the US Open men's final on 13 September. According to the New York Times, Shelton advanced to the final by defeating Frances Tiafoe in the other semi-final. Should Zverev prevail, he will claim his second Grand Slam title of 2026 and move closer to establishing himself as the dominant force in men's tennis this season.
Key facts
- Zverev defeated Khachanov 6-3, 7-6(7), 7-6(6) to reach his third consecutive Grand Slam final
- The match was decided by two tiebreaks, with Zverev recovering from losing positions in both
- Khachanov reached the semi-finals for the first time since 2022, eliminating three seeded players
- Zverev has now reached the final four of all four Grand Slams in a single season for the first time
- The final on 13 September will pit Zverev against Ben Shelton, who defeated Frances Tiafoe in the other semi-final
