Alexander Zverev shrugs off rocky start, sails past Zandschulp into US Open semifinals

Alexander Zverev’s US Open campaign has gone from rocky to rather comfortable. The top seed beat Botic van de Zandschulp 6-2, 7-5, 6-1 on Wednesday to storm into the semi-finals and keep his quest for a second Grand Slam title firmly on track.

Zverev needed five sets in each of his opening two roundshe became the first male No. 1 player in the Open Era to do so at a major. Since then, however, the twenty-nine-year-old has found a different speed, won three consecutive matches in straight sets.

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The world number two was barely troubled by van de Zandschulp, who had already survived two five-set battles in the previous four days. Zverev broke twice in the opening set and never allowed the Dutchman to break even, although the second set briefly offered a glimpse of the match.

Van de Zandschulp took the set when he led 5-4 but was unable to convert as Zverev held firm. The German then broke in the following game before serving the set, effectively ending his opponent’s hopes of a comeback.

ZVEREV’S ROCK START NOW A DISTANT MEMORY

Zverev’s early matches in New York are now a distant memory. His powerful first serve and ability to force mistakes from his opponents again proved decisive. The German saved both break points he faced and finished with eight aces.

The victory also completes a remarkable Grand Slam sweep for Zverev in 2026. He has now reached the semifinals at all four majors this season, becoming the only men’s player to do so.

His year already included his first Grand Slam title at Roland Garros and a runner-up finish at Wimbledon. He also reached the semi-finals of the Australian Open, where he lost to Carlos Alcaraz.

CHACHANOV AWAITS IN THE SEMI-FINALS

Zverev will face Karen Khačanov in the last four on Friday after the match Russian advanced when Alexander Blockx retired while losing 6-2, 7-5, 3-2.

Khačanov has already knocked out third-seeded Felix Auger-Aliassime and 14th-seeded Learner Tien on his way to the semifinals. However, Zverev had won six of their previous nine matches.

With Alcaraz already eliminated and Jannik Sinner missing from the tournament, Zverev has a big opportunity ahead of him. Two more victories would secure the German’s second Grand Slam title of the season and first US Open crown.

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Issued by:

Debodinna Chakraborty

Published on:

10 Sep 2026 08:34 IST