Top-seeded Zverev defeated an unseeded opponent and advanced to the 2026 U.S. Open final

The top seed, German tennis player Alexander Zverev (ATP No. 2), advanced to the final of the 2026 U.S. Open.

In the semifinals, Zverev defeated neutral player Karen Khachanov (ATP 50) in three sets in 2 hours and 59 minutes—6-3, 7-6 (9-7), 7-6 (8-6).

This was the tenth head-to-head match between the rivals. Alexander defeated Khachanov for the seventh time.

In the third-set tiebreak, the German saved two set points.

In addition to Khachanov, Zverev also defeated Lorenzo Sonego, Alisa Kantena, Alejandro Tabilo, Luciano Darderi, and Botik van de Zandshulpe. It is noteworthy that, just as at the 2026 French Open, Zverev did not face any top-20 players on his way to the final. He became only the second player to reach multiple Grand Slam finals in a single season without facing any top-20 players since Roger Federer in 2008 (Roland Garros and Wimbledon).

The German tennis player reached the final of the U.S. Open for the second time in his career and for the third time this season. He had previously reached this stage in 2020. In his match against Dominic Thiem, Alexander led 2-0 in sets but lost to Thiem in the decisive tiebreak and was unable to claim the trophy in New York.

Alexander recorded his 24th Grand Slam victory in 2026. At the Australian Open, he reached the semifinals, where he lost to the eventual champion, Carlos Alcaraz; at Roland Garros, he won the first major title of his career; and at Wimbledon, he lost to Jannik Sinner in the final.

Zverev led the 2026 season in total wins—52 tournament victories.

Alexander tied with Jannik Sinner in points earned in the race for the 2026 ATP Finals—both players have 7,950 points.

In the final, Zverev will compete for the trophy against either Ben Shelton or Frances Tiafoe.

2026 US Open. Hard Court, Semifinals

Alexander Zverev [1] – Karen Khachanov – 6-3, 7-6 (9-7), 7-6 (8-6)