Zverev defeats Khachanov to book US Open final spot

Germany's top seed Alexander Zverev advanced to the US Open final after a 6-3, 7-6 (9-7), 7-6 (8-6) victory over Russia's Karen Khachanov. The win marks Zverev's third straight Grand Slam final appearance following his French Open title in June and a Wimbledon final loss to world No. 1 Jannik Sinner.

Zverev will face either eighth seed Ben Shelton or 11th seed Frances Tiafoe, who are scheduled to play each other in Friday's night session. > "I think it will be incredibly special especially, these two guys are crowd favourites and everyone loves them," Zverev said, adding that he hopes to prevent an "American dream" from being fulfilled.

With injuries sidelining Sinner and defending champion Carlos Alcaraz, Zverev has shown consistency, reaching the semi-finals of all four majors this year. After two five-set matches early in the tournament, he has not dropped a set since. He saved two set points in the third set against Khachanov, who briefly pressured him with a backhand winner to force a second-set tie-break.

Zverev dominated the first set, winning 13 of 15 first-serve points and all nine net points. He broke Khachanov early and held serve to close the set. The second set went to a tie-break after Khachanov rallied from a break down, while the third set also reached a tie-break, where Zverev saved two set points before sealing the match. After the win, Zverev celebrated with his coaching team before shaking hands with Khachanov.

The victory puts Zverev in his second US Open final, having previously lost a five-set final to Dominic Thiem in 2020.