US OPEN. New York. By Leo Canaparo. Photo Courtesy USTA
Alexander Zverev continues to make a strong statement at the 2026 US Open, defeating Botic van de Zandschulp 6-2, 7-5, 6-1 to reach the semifinals in New York. After a difficult start to the tournament, the German has steadily raised his level, combining his powerful serve with greater consistency and confidence from the baseline. The victory also underlines what has been an outstanding season for Zverev: he has now reached the semifinals at all four Grand Slam tournaments in 2026, becoming the first German man to win 23 Grand Slam matches in a single season, surpassing Boris Becker’s previous record of 22 in 1989.
Zverev will now face Karen Khachanov in the semifinals, setting up an intriguing rematch of their Olympic final in Tokyo in 2021. The Russian, currently ranked No. 50, has enjoyed an impressive run in New York, defeating Felix Auger-Aliassime and Learner Tien before advancing when Alexander Blockx retired with an injury. Khachanov brings considerable experience and a powerful game, but Zverev enters the semifinal as one of the tournament’s strongest contenders and with the confidence of a player who has already produced a remarkable 2026 season.