Alexander Zverev reaches U.S. Open final and awaits Shelton-Tiafoe winner
Alexander Zverev defeated Karen Khachanov in the U.S. Open semifinals, reaching his second Grand Slam final of the year. He will face either Ben Shelton or Frances Tiafoe, aiming for his first U.S. Open title after a previous loss in the 2020 final.
Why it matters
Zverev's strong performance marks a significant comeback in his career, and his potential U.S. Open victory would be a major achievement, while the U.S. is still seeking its first men's Grand Slam champion since 2003.
Alexander Zverev will play for his second Grand Slam title this year after beating Karen Khachanov 6-3, 7-6 (7), 7-6 (6) on Friday (September 11, 2026) in the U.S. Open semifinals.
Zverev will play on Sunday against No. 8 seed Ben Shelton or No. 11 Frances Tiafoe, who play later on Friday for the right to give the U.S. a man in Sunday's final. Both have been semifinalists in Flushing Meadows but neither has reached a major final.
The U.S. is still seeking its first men's Grand Slam champion since Andy Roddick won in New York in 2003.
“Hopefully I can not make the American dream come true on Sunday,” Zverev said.
Zverev finally broke through at the French Open this year and followed by reaching the Wimbledon final, where he lost to Jannik Sinner. The German is 24-2 in Grand Slam matches this season.
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