Alexander Zverev looks to seize the big opening, Tiafoe-Shelton goes after the American dream
The men’s singles draw at the US Open opened dramatically for Alexander Zverev. The German is the only Grand Slam champion left standing, with Jannik Sinner missing, Novak Djokovic out in the opening round and defending champion Carlos Alcaraz knocked out by Ben Shelton in the quarter-finals.
Zverev now has a great opportunity to add a second Grand Slam title, but Karen Khachanov stands between him and reaching the final. The other semi-final will be an all-American showdown between Frances Tiafoe and Shelton, guaranteeing a home player in the US Open final for the second time in three years, following Taylor Fritz’s run in 2024.
With Andy Roddick’s triumph at the 2003 US Open still the last Grand Slam men’s singles title won by an American, the stakes could hardly be higher.
A GOLDEN OPPORTUNITY FOR ZVEREV
Zverev rose to the tournament after being pushed to five sets by Lorenzo Sonego and Quentin Halys. It was followed by sa A dominant 6-2, 7-5, 6-1 win over Botic van de Zandschulp to reach his 13th Grand Slam semi-final and fourth in 2026.
The result took his Grand Slam match wins this year to 23, surpassing Boris Becker’s German record of 22 set in 1989.
More importantly, Zverev has never had a clearer path to a US Open title. Sinner, Djokovic and Alcaraz – the three biggest obstacles in recent years – are out of the tournament.
The German also believes he won his first Grand Slam title at Roland Garros earlier this year. After years of near misses, Zverev finally knows what it takes to close out a major. Now he has a chance to do it again in New York.
CHACHANOV’S DANGEROUS OBSTACLE
Khačanov was hardly among the favorites before the tournament, he came to New York on a streak of four defeats. Still, the Russian turned his fortunes around, defeating third seed Felix Auger-Aliassim and surviving a five-set battle against Learner Tien.
He reached the semifinals after Alexander Blockx retired while trailing 6–2, 7–5, 3–2, giving Khachanov his first appearance in the US Open last four since 2022.
Zverev leads their head-to-head 6-3, including a dominant 6-3, 6-1 victory in the final at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics. But Khachanov’s strong serve and heavy hitting make him a difficult opponent, especially on hard court.
With the pressure firmly on Zverev, Khachanov can afford to play with freedom. That could make him more of a threat than his ranking or pre-tournament form suggested.
ZVEREV LOOKS TO BRING 2020
Zverev’s history at the US Open is inseparable from the 2020 final.
He went two sets against Dominic Thiem and served for the championship in the fifth set before the Austrian cruised to a 2-6, 4-6, 6-4, 6-3, 7-6 victory. It remains one of the most painful defeats of Zverev’s career.
There were other big disappointments. He led Alcaraz two sets to one in the 2024 French Open final before losing in five and was defeated by Sinner in the 2025 Australian Open final.
But his breakthrough at Roland Garros this year changed the narrative. Zverev now has experience surviving – and winning – Grand Slam finals.
The second major in New York would offer the perfect answer to the ghosts of 2020.
TIAFOE VS SHELTON: THE AMERICAN THRILLER AWAITS
The second semi-final has all the ingredients for a thriller, with both Tiafoe and Shelton arriving full of confidence after dramatic quarter-final victories.
Tiafoe came back from two sets and a break down to beat fellow Australian Alex Michelsen 5-7, 3-6, 7-5, 6-3, 7-6(6) in 4 hours and 39 minutes. The win took him into his third US Open semifinal.
Shelton issued an even bigger statement, ending Alcaraz’s title defense in a five-set epic which ended at 3:33 in the morning. He won 6-7(5), 6-1, 6-3, 1-6, 7-6 (10-7), firing an ace at 146 mph per match point to complete one of the biggest victories of his career.
Shelton will be full of confidence after defeating a top three player for the first time in his career. The pair bring contrasting styles to the contest, with Tiafoe having the benefit of two previous US Open semi-final appearances and Shelton showing he can handle the biggest stage.
Shelton leads the match 3-1, but the form of both players suggests there is little between them heading into one of the biggest All-American men’s matches at Flushing Meadows in years.
One will make it to the finals. It’s another chance for American tennis to end its 23-year wait for a Grand Slam men’s singles champion.
Alexander Zverev vs Karen Khachanov Head-to-head
Overall
Matches – 9, Alexander Zverev – 6, Karen Khačanov – 0
At the Grand Slams
Matches – 1, Alexander Zverev – 1, Karen Khačanov – 0
Ben Shelton vs Frances Tiafoe Head to Head
Overall
Matches – 4, Ben Shelton – 3, Frances Tiafoe – 1
At the Grand Slams
Matches – 2, Ben Shelton – 1, Frances Tiafoe – 1
When to watch US Open 2026 semi-finals?
The US Open 2026 men’s singles first semi-final between Alexander Zverev and Karen Khachanov will not start until 15:00 local time (September 11), 00:30 IST (September 12).
The second semi-final between Frances Tiafoe and Ben Shelton will not start until 7:00 PM local time (September 11), 4:30 IST (September 12)
The women’s doubles final will start at 12:00 PM local time (September 11), 9:30 PM IST (September 12).
Where to watch US Open 2026 semi-finals?
Sony Sports Network has the broadcast rights for the 2026 US Open men’s singles semifinals. Live streaming of the matches will be available on Sony LIV.
– The end
Issued by:
sabyasachi chowdhury
Published on:
11 Sep 2026 14:35 IST