Zverev Overcomes Khachanov in Straight Sets
Alexander Zverev advanced to his second US Open final and third consecutive Grand Slam final by defeating Karen Khachanov 6-3 7-6 (9-7) 7-6 (8-6) on Friday. The top seed, who won the French Open in June for his first major title, is now one match away from a second Grand Slam of the year. He will face either eighth seed Ben Shelton or 11th seed Frances Tiafoe, who meet in Friday's night session. Zverev, 29, reached the Wimbledon final in July, losing to world number one Jannik Sinner in four sets.[S1][S2][S3]
Zverev saved two set points in the third set and remained composed through two tense tie-breaks. He won 13 of 15 points behind his first serve and all nine points at the net in the first set, breaking Khachanov to go 5-3 up before serving out the opener. Khachanov fought back in the second set, forcing a tie-break and saving set point with a backhand winner after a 22-shot rally. In the third set, both players held serve without conceding a break point to reach another tie-break, where Khachanov created two set points, both saved by Zverev. The top seed eventually clinched victory when Khachanov put a forehand long.[S1][S2][S3]
A Season of Consistency Amid Rival Injuries
With Sinner and defending US Open champion Carlos Alcaraz suffering injuries this year, Zverev has found a consistency that has allowed him to reach all four Grand Slam semi-finals. He started the tournament slowly, being taken to five sets in his opening two matches, but has not dropped a set since. After reaching his sixth major final, Zverev stood arms wide in celebration facing his coaching team before shaking hands with Khachanov. Victory means Zverev is into his second US Open final after suffering a five-set loss to Dominic Thiem in 2020.[S1][S2]
Khachanov, ranked 50th, has a strong resume including a career-high ranking of No 8, an Olympic silver medal behind Zverev in Tokyo 2020, and a Paris Masters title in 2018. He has won more matches against Zverev than the other two remaining players combined, with Zverev leading their head to head 6-3 but Khachanov winning as recently as last year in Canada. Zverev's serve and consistency off the ground proved sufficient to smother the challenge, as Khachanov's forehand leaked errors in decisive moments.[S2]
Path to the Final and What Lies Ahead
Zverev has enjoyed a favourable draw, with his highest-ranked opponents en route to the final being No 22 Luciano Darderi and No 28 Alejandro Tabilo. Should he win the US Open, Zverev will have won his first two Grand Slam titles without facing a top-eight player. Still, a tennis player can only beat the one in front of them, and after two tense five-set matches in his first two rounds, Zverev has improved. He will play either Shelton or Tiafoe in Sunday's showpiece, with the two Americans set to meet in Friday's night session.[S1][S2]
