Zverev Beats Khachanov in Straight Sets to Reach US Open Final

Alexander Zverev reached the 2026 US Open final by defeating Karen Khachanov in straight sets in the tournament’s first men’s semi-final. The German’s victory at Arthur Ashe Stadium completed a decisive passage into the championship match and kept his pursuit of a major title alive in New York.

The semi-final was the headline contest on a significant day at the US Open, with the match scheduled for 3pm Eastern Time, or 8pm in Britain. Khachanov emerged from the tunnel first before Zverev followed, with the German arriving a minute or two later than expected after needing additional time before the players’ entrance.

Once the match began, Zverev produced the performance required to control the occasion and close out the contest without dropping a set. The result sent him through to the final while ending Khachanov’s run at the tournament, leaving the Russian short of a place in the championship match.

Zverev takes command of semi-final

A straight-sets victory in a Grand Slam semi-final underlines the scale of Zverev’s achievement. The format demands concentration from the opening game through to the finish, particularly at the business end of a major tournament, and the German maintained enough authority to prevent Khachanov from forcing a deciding set.

The result also gives Zverev valuable momentum ahead of the final. Rather than having to recover from a long, physically demanding battle, he secured his progress in the most direct manner available. That leaves him with the opportunity to prepare for the tournament’s last match knowing that his route through the semi-final was completed in straight sets.

• Alexander Zverev defeated Karen Khachanov in straight sets.
• The victory came in the first men’s semi-final of the 2026 US Open.
• Zverev advanced to the men’s singles final at Arthur Ashe Stadium.
• Khachanov’s campaign ended in the semi-final stage.

A solemn setting at Arthur Ashe Stadium

The match unfolded against a notably reflective backdrop. Flags were flown at half-mast around the grounds as the US Open marked the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks. Before the players came out, a retired servicewoman sang the American national anthem on Arthur Ashe Stadium, adding a formal and emotional dimension to the evening.

The tournament’s central stadium had also been illuminated in blue from dusk until dawn. Those tributes shaped the atmosphere around the semi-final, combining the usual anticipation of a Grand Slam weekend with a national commemoration observed throughout the grounds.

For Zverev, the setting provided the stage for a result that will define his 2026 US Open campaign. Reaching the final confirms him as the first man through from the semi-final schedule and gives him another opportunity to finish a major tournament as champion. The victory also places the focus on the final, where he will face the winner of the other men’s semi-final.

Final place secured

Khachanov leaves the tournament after reaching the last four, but Zverev is the player who moves on to the decisive match. His straight-sets success means the German can now turn his attention to the final and the chance to claim the US Open title.

With the semi-final concluded, Zverev’s place in the 2026 men’s singles final is confirmed, and the Flushing Meadows title will now be decided with the German waiting for his opponent.