Zverev downs Khachanov to reach US Open final, closes in second major

The French Open champion had navigated a treacherous path through the early rounds of the tournament, famously being pushed to five gruelling sets in each of his opening two matches, a testament to the unpredictable nature of Grand Slam tennis and the high level of competition across the draw. Those early struggles, which saw him battle through physically demanding encounters, served as an unexpected crucible, seemingly hardening his resolve and sharpening his focus. Since those initial tests, however, Zverev has embarked on a remarkable run, winning four straight matches without dropping a single set, a dominant streak that underscores his growing confidence and peak physical condition. This consistent display of high-level tennis has now propelled him into his third consecutive major final, a feat that speaks volumes about his enduring consistency and ability to perform at the highest echelons of the sport following his triumph at Roland Garros earlier in the season.

This triumph also marks his second title decider at Flushing Meadows, a return to the grandest stage of American tennis after finishing runner-up in a heart-wrenching five-set epic in 2020 to Dominic Thiem. That particular final remains etched in the memories of tennis fans as one of the most dramatic U.S. Open finals in recent history, with Zverev leading by two sets to love before Thiem mounted an improbable comeback. The emotional scars of that defeat, where Zverev was just two points away from the title, have undoubtedly fuelled his ambition to return and rectify history. His journey back to the final four years later is not just a testament to his talent, but also his incredible resilience and dedication to overcoming past disappointments. The experience of that 2020 final, both the highs and the lows, has undeniably shaped his approach to high-stakes matches, imparting valuable lessons in managing pressure and maintaining composure when the stakes are highest.

From the outset of Friday’s semi-final, Zverev struck first, demonstrating an immediate command of the court and dictating play with his powerful serve and aggressive groundstrokes. He seized the momentum early, breaking Khachanov’s serve and consolidating it with authority to take the opening set 6-3. His first-serve percentage was robust, often exceeding 70%, and his baseline game was relentless, pushing the unseeded Russian deep behind the baseline and limiting his opportunities to unleash his own potent forehand. The German’s early dominance seemed to signal a relatively straightforward path, as he carried that formidable momentum into the second set with an early break, appearing to be in complete control of the narrative.

However, Karen Khachanov, known for his tenacious spirit and powerful game, was not prepared to cede ground so easily. The unseeded Russian, who had surprised many with his deep run to the semi-finals, found his range and rhythm midway through the second set, unleashing a barrage of forehand winners and injecting a renewed intensity into his game. This resurgence culminated in a pivotal moment: Khachanov broke back, ending Zverev’s remarkable run of 37 consecutive service games without being broken – a statistic that underscored the German’s exceptional serving performance throughout the tournament. The crowd, sensing a shift in momentum, roared to life as Khachanov, now visibly energised, threatened to swing the entire match in his favour. The second set then spiralled into a gripping tiebreak, a tense battle where both players traded blows, showcasing incredible athleticism and nerve.

The 14-minute tiebreak was a microcosm of the entire match, a high-wire act where fortunes swung back and forth with each point. Khachanov, buoyed by his break back, played with aggressive abandon, hitting audacious winners and pushing Zverev to the brink. He held set points, tantalisingly close to levelling the match at one set all. However, it was Zverev who ultimately held his nerve with steely resolve, demonstrating the mental fortitude that has become a hallmark of his game. He fended off Khachanov’s advances, often aided by crucial, unforced errors from the Russian at the most pivotal moments, a testament to the immense pressure Zverev was consistently applying. With a clutch serve and a decisive forehand, Zverev finally closed out the extended tiebreak 9-7, letting out a roar of relief and pumping his fist towards his box, a clear indication of the emotional weight of that crucial moment. Winning that tiebreak, effectively denying Khachanov a foothold in the match, was arguably the turning point of the entire contest.

The third set followed a similar, nail-biting pattern, showcasing the incredible level of parity and intensity between the two competitors. Both players held serve with impressive authority for much of the set, refusing to give an inch in the baseline exchanges. The pressure mounted steadily as the set progressed, leading inevitably to another decisive tiebreak. Khachanov, refusing to wilt despite the disappointment of the second set, once again took a brief lead in the tiebreak, demonstrating his fighting spirit and powerful groundstrokes. Yet, just as in the previous set, Zverev again fought back with unwavering determination, finding an extra gear when it mattered most. He showcased his improved backhand, a weapon that has become increasingly reliable, and served with precision under immense pressure, ultimately sealing his seventh win in 10 career meetings against the Russian, a head-to-head record that reflects Zverev’s consistent edge over his contemporary. The final point, a powerful serve unreturned, saw Zverev’s face break into a triumphant smile, knowing he had overcome a formidable opponent.

This semi-final victory further burnishes Alexander Zverev’s already impressive statistics for the season. He now boasts an astonishing 24-2 record in Grand Slam matches, a testament to his exceptional consistency and dominance on the sport’s biggest stages. This remarkable winning percentage places him among the elite players of the current era, underscoring his transformation into a perennial Grand Slam contender. His game, once criticized for its occasional lapses in focus or a tendency towards double faults, has matured significantly. His serve, a towering weapon, has become more consistent and devastating, while his groundstrokes are deeper and more penetrating. Furthermore, his court coverage and defensive skills have seen marked improvement, allowing him to turn defence into offence with remarkable fluidity. This season has seen Zverev demonstrate a newfound mental toughness, a crucial attribute for deep runs in majors, especially after enduring a significant ankle injury in 2022 that threatened to derail his career. His recovery and subsequent return to peak form have been nothing short of inspiring, showcasing his immense dedication and resilience.

Looking ahead, Zverev now awaits the winner of the highly anticipated, all-American semi-final clash between Frances Tiafoe and Ben Shelton in Sunday’s title match. The prospect of facing either opponent presents a unique set of challenges. Frances Tiafoe, a fan favourite and semi-finalist at the U.S. Open in 2022, brings an electrifying style of play, incredible athleticism, and a powerful forehand, thriving on the energy of the home crowd. His ability to elevate his game in crucial moments, coupled with his emotional connection to the New York faithful, makes him a dangerous adversary. Ben Shelton, on the other hand, is the epitome of the next generation of American tennis – a young, fearless talent with a thunderous serve, a booming forehand, and an aggressive all-court game. His meteoric rise through the ranks and his unbridled enthusiasm have captivated audiences. Facing either Tiafoe or Shelton would mean Zverev confronting not only a top-tier opponent but also the fervent support of a passionate home crowd, a factor that can significantly influence the atmosphere and dynamics of a Grand Slam final.

For Zverev, Sunday’s final represents more than just a shot at a second major title; it is an opportunity to solidify his legacy, to prove definitively that his French Open triumph was not an anomaly but a harbinger of sustained Grand Slam success. It’s a chance to rewrite the script from 2020 and etch his name into the U.S. Open history books as a champion. The stakes are immensely high, and the world of tennis will be watching to see if Alexander Zverev, in the prime of his career, can deliver another commanding performance and seize the coveted U.S. Open crown, further cementing his place among the sport’s elite.