No. 1 seed Alexander Zverev outlasts Karen Khachanov to book place in US Open final
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Alexander Zverev Reaches US Open Final After Khachanov Thriller
Activelifezero.com – No 1 seed Alexander Zverev secured his place in the US Open final after defeating Karen Khachanov 6-3, 7-6 (7), 7-6 (6) in a hard-fought semifinal at Arthur Ashe Stadium on Friday.
Although Zverev won in straight sets, Khachanov made the match a demanding test. The Russian repeatedly pressured the top seed after the opening set, forcing tiebreaks in each of the final two sets and coming close to pushing the contest further.
Zverev Takes Early Control
Zverev made the stronger start, claiming the first set 6-3 as Khachanov struggled with unforced errors. The German established a useful advantage early, while his opponent found it difficult to settle into the contest.
Khachanov improved significantly in the second set. He held serve under pressure and matched Zverev through a tight sequence of games before taking the set into a tiebreak.
No 1 seed Alexander Zverev held firm in the breaker, eventually taking it 7-6 (7). The narrow finish underlined how quickly the semifinal had shifted from a controlled opening to a closely balanced contest.
Third-Set Tension at Arthur Ashe Stadium
The third set followed a familiar pattern, with neither player able to create decisive separation. Zverev moved within a game of the final while leading 6-5, but the match became more complicated when he raised concerns about sun glare.
The glare was linked to light reflecting from glass on open suite doors. Parts of the crowd reacted negatively to the discussion, and Khachanov then broke Zverev to send the set into another tiebreak.
Khachanov built a 4-1 lead in that deciding breaker, placing Zverev under his greatest pressure of the afternoon. However, the top seed recovered, leveling the score at 6-6 after saving two set points.
Zverev then earned match point and converted it, completing a victory built on composure in the most important exchanges. Khachanov had little room for error after his slow start, but he continued to challenge the German until the final point.
A Third Straight Grand Slam Final
The victory sends No 1 seed Alexander Zverev into his second US Open final and gives him another opportunity to win the title that escaped him in 2020.
It will be his third consecutive grand slam final appearance. Zverev won the first major title of his career at Roland Garros in early June, and his run in New York now gives him the chance to add another major trophy.
His opponent will be decided by the all-American semifinal between No. 8 seed Ben Shelton and No. 11 seed Frances Tiafoe. Either player would receive major support from the New York crowd in Sunday’s final.
“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.”
Zverev will therefore need to manage the occasion as well as the tennis. Facing either Shelton or Tiafoe would mean playing against a talented opponent in an atmosphere expected to strongly favor the American finalist.
Shelton and Tiafoe Create Historic US Open Semifinal
Shelton and Tiafoe are competing for more than a place in the championship match. Neither player has previously reached a grand slam final, guaranteeing a significant career milestone for the winner.
The winner will become the first American man to reach the US Open final since Taylor Fritz in 2024. He would also have the chance to become the first American men’s singles champion at the tournament since Andy Roddick in 2003.
The semifinal is also the first US Open men’s singles semifinal between two Black American men. The winner will become the first Black American man to reach the tournament final since Arthur Ashe’s final appearance in the championship match in 1972.
FAQ: Alexander Zverev’s US Open Final
Who did Alexander Zverev beat in the US Open semifinal?
Alexander Zverev defeated Karen Khachanov 6-3, 7-6 (7), 7-6 (6) at Arthur Ashe Stadium.
Who could Zverev face in the US Open final?
Zverev will face either Ben Shelton or Frances Tiafoe, who meet in the other men’s semifinal.
When is the US Open final?
The men’s US Open final is scheduled for Sunday, following the conclusion of the semifinal matches.
