Alexander Zverev returns to the US Open final after 6 years and completes a rare hat trick

Alexander Zverev is back in the US Open final. Six years after his heartbreaking loss to Dominic Thiem in the 2020 Championship, the German earned another shot at the title in New York when he defeated Karen Khačanov 6-3, 7-6(7), 7-6(6) in Friday’s semifinals.

The victory takes Zverev into his sixth Grand Slam final and second US Open final, extending a remarkable campaign into 2026. The 29-year-old has now reached the finals of three consecutive Grand Slams played this year, winning the French Open and finishing runner-up at Wimbledon before reaching the championship match at Flushing Meadows.

US Open 2026 Men’s Singles Semi-Finals Update

Prior to 2026, Zverev had only reached three major finals: the 2020 US Open, the 2024 French Open and the 2025 Australian Open. He matched that total in this single season, underscoring the extent of his resurgence. Friday’s win was also his 52nd of 2026, a best mark on tour that reflects the consistency behind his breakout season.

The German will face the winner of the All-American semifinal between Frances Tiafoe and Ben Shelton in Sunday’s final.

ZVEREV SURVIVES TWO CLOSE DECISIONS

The match started with Zverev in control. His serve gave him a reliable platform, while his ground game repeatedly pushed Khačanov into uncomfortable positions. After the Russian leveled at 3-3, Zverev turned up the intensity at the crucial moment to secure the only break needed to take the opening set.

Khachanov responded emphatically in the second. Zverev was up 2-0 early, but the Russian found more aggression from both wings and turned the set around. He moved 5-4 ahead and put Zverev under pressure before the German held firm to force a tie-break.

The tie-break became a test of nerves. Zverev missed two set points but converted his third opportunity to move within one set of the final. Khachanov played his best tennis of the match, yet Zverev continued to search for answers when the pressure was on.

KHACHANOV PUSHES ZVEREV TO THE LIMITS

Karen Khachanov made Zverev work hard in the last 2 sets. Courtesy: Reuters

The third set was another battle of fine points. Khachanov was increasingly comfortable behind his serve, often holding to love, while Zverev relied on his first serve and power to escape difficult situations.

There was also an unusual interruption when Zverev complained to the umpire about spectators opening doors and allowing sunlight to enter the court. The distraction failed to derail him. He moved ahead 5-4 and later 6-5, but Khačanov held both times to force another tie-break.

This time the Russian seemed to have the advantage. Khačanov raced to a 6-4 lead and won two set points, but Zverev provided the decisive answer. He saved both, leveled the tie-break and finally converted his opportunity after two hours and 57 minutes to win the series.

FROM THE MORNING MATCHES TO THE NEXT FINAL

The result is particularly impressive given how close Zverev came to an early exit in New York. Lorenzo Sonego took him to five sets in the opening round, surviving after almost five hours and coming back from two sets to one down.

He then needed another five-set battle against Quentin Halys to win 6-4, 4-6, 7-6(3), 6-7(3), 6-3 in four hours and 33 minutes. Since those early struggles, however, Zverev has found another level. He won his last four matches without dropping a set, including a dominant 6-2, 7-5, 6-1 quarterfinal victory over Botic van de Zandschulp.

Whether it’s Shelton or Tiafoe across the net on Sunday, Zverev has already made sure that 2026 will be remembered as a season in which he turned repeated Grand Slam woes into sustained success.

– The end

Issued by:

sabyasachi chowdhury

Published on:

12 Sep 2026 04:33 IST