US Open: Alexander Zverev reaches semifinals with win over van de Zandschulp

Alexander Zverev (Pic: AFP)

Alexander Zverev moved into the US Open semifinals for the third time in his career, after a convincing 6-2, 7-5, 6-1 victory over Botic van de Zandschulp on Wednesday. The German top seed required just over two hours to defeat the Dutchman, sustaining his good form in a breakthrough year highlighted by his maiden Grand Slam triumph at Roland Garros.

Zverev demonstrated his newfound composure during key moments in the second set, where van de Zandschulp attempted to launch a comeback. Leading 3-2, the Dutchman earned his first break point of the contest, but Zverev held firm, prevailing in a gruelling 33-shot rally to erase the threat.

Van de Zandschulp later earned a set point on Zverev's serve while ahead 5-4, but an unforced forehand error halted his charge. Capitalising on the window, Zverev immediately broke back and reeled off the games to claim the set 7-5. The third set proved largely one-sided as Zverev stormed to a 6-1 finish, sealing a straight-sets triumph and securing his 13th Grand Slam semifinal appearance.

Zverev aiming to win his first US Open title

The victory marks Zverev's 51st tour-level win of the year, the most on the ATP Tour. His 23 Grand Slam match victories in a single calendar year surpass Boris Becker's long-standing German record of 22, established in 1989. Zverev also becomes the ninth male player in the Open Era to reach the final four at all four Grand Slam events in a single season.

His 2026 campaign began with a semifinal finish at the Australian Open, followed by his Roland Garros triumph over Flavio Cobolli in a five-set final, and a runner-up finish at Wimbledon against world No. 1 Jannik Sinner.

Zverev will now battle Karen Khachanov for a spot in the final. The German holds a 6-3 head-to-head advantage over Khachanov, including his victory in the 2021 Tokyo Olympics gold-medal match. The 25-time tour champion aims to return to the Flushing Meadows final for the first time since 2020, when he finished as runner-up to Dominic Thiem.

Meanwhile, the second semifinal features an all-American showdown between Frances Tiafoe and Ben Shelton on Saturday at Arthur Ashe Stadium.