Karen Chačanov returns to the US Open semifinals as Blockx retires in the quarterfinals

Karen Khachanov returned to the US Open semi-finals on Wednesday after Alexander Blockx was forced to retire with the Belgian 6-2, 7-5, 3-2. The Russian was in control before Blockx’s physical problems brought his breakthrough run to an unfortunate end.

Blockx was already carrying a rib injury into the quarterfinals and seemed to be hampered more and more as the match progressed. The 21-year-old wore a brace on his right ankle and had his thigh wrapped and also called out to the trainer during the competition.

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The Belgian struggled through the discomfort, but Khachanov steadily took control, winning the opening two sets and moving to 3-2 in the third. After an hour and 38 minutes, Blockx decided he could not continue.

“My body just gave up today,” Blockx told reporters.

“I was already having a really hard time physically. I was on the verge of retirement against Francisco and today just kept getting worse.

KHACHANOV BACK AT THE US OPEN FINAL FOUR

Khachanov admitted that he felt Blockx was struggling more and more as the competition progressed, but remained focused on maintaining his intensity.

“I prepared really well for that match, it’s not easy because I feel I was dominating and then I felt he was having more and more problems,” Khachanov said on court.

“He was suffering, but I wanted to keep my energy there. I wish him a speedy recovery, but I’m very happy to be in the semi-finals.”

The victory marks Khachanov’s return to the US Open semi-finals for the first time since 2022. The world number 50 arrived in New York ranked lower than he has been at any Grand Slam since 2017, but he has already won over third-seeded Felix Auger-Aliassim and 14th-seeded Learner Tien.

BLOCKX’S BREAKTHROUGH RUN ENDS

Despite the disappointing finish, Blockx leaves Flushing Meadows making history. His run made him the first Belgian to reach the quarter-finals of the US Open after a memorable campaign that included victory over fifth seed Flavio Cobolli.

The 21-year-old also revealed his body was already struggling in his fourth-round win over Francisco Cerundolo, making his quarter-final performance all the more remarkable.

“I still felt a lot in my rib. My leg. Then in the second set I blocked a nerve in my back, which made it even harder to move,” Blockx said.

Khačanov will now wait for the fight between the winner of the top seed Alexander Zverev and Botic van de Zandschulp to advance to the final of the US Open.

– The end

Issued by:

Debodinna Chakraborty

Published on:

10 Sep 2026 07:33 IST