Zverev defeats Khachanov to reach US Open final

World No. 1 Alexander Zverev overcame Russia's Karen Khachanov 6-3, 7-6 (7), 7-6 (6) in the first semifinal at Arthur Ashe Stadium, earning his second career US Open final appearance. Zverev took the opening set comfortably, while Khachanov reduced his error count in the second set to force a tiebreak, which Zverev won. The third set also went to a tiebreak after both players exchanged games and Zverev briefly complained to the umpire about glare from the suite doors, a moment that drew a reaction from the crowd. Despite falling behind 4-1 in the final set, Zverev rallied to level the score and ultimately clinched the match after saving two set points.

"I think it's going to be incredibly special," Zverev told ESPN, referring to the upcoming final and the likely support for American seeds Ben Shelton and Frances Tiafoe.

Zverev, who captured his first major at Roland Garros earlier this year, will now await the winner of the second semifinal between Shelton and Tiafoe, which will determine his opponent for Sunday’s final.

The all-American semifinal is notable for potentially producing the first U.S. man in a US Open final since 2024 and the first Black American finalist since Arthur Ashe in 1972.