The win continues a remarkable season for Zverev, who has now compiled a 24-2 record in major tournaments this year. Having already claimed his maiden Grand Slam title at the French Open and reaching the final at Wimbledon, Zverev is now aiming to become only the fourth man in the Open era to secure his first two major trophies within the same calendar year.
A Clinical Performance in New York
Zverev’s path to the final was marked by a disciplined display against Khachanov. After taking the opening set, the German faced a more resilient challenge in the second and third sets. Khachanov, who was appearing in his third career Grand Slam semifinal, managed to break Zverev’s serve during the second set to force a tiebreaker. Zverev eventually clinched the set after a grueling 34-shot rally, maintaining his composure under pressure.
The third set saw Khachanov build early leads of 3-0 and 5-2 in the tiebreaker, but Zverev mounted a comeback to close out the match in straight sets. This victory marks his 52nd tour-level win of the season, a figure that currently leads the men's tour. Reflecting on his recent success at the major level, Zverev noted that after years of narrow misses, he is focused on enjoying his time on the court.
Looking Ahead to the Final
Sunday’s championship match will see Zverev face an American opponent, as either No. 8 seed Ben Shelton or No. 11 seed Frances Tiafoe will emerge from the second semifinal. While the United States continues its search for a first men's Grand Slam champion since Andy Roddick’s 2003 victory, Zverev remains confident in his preparation. He holds a 9-1 career record against Tiafoe and a 5-0 record against Shelton.
For Zverev, the upcoming final offers a chance to rectify his history at Flushing Meadows. In 2020, he famously held a two-set lead against Dominic Thiem before falling in a fifth-set tiebreaker. Having now won 13 consecutive sets following a difficult start to the tournament, the German appears well-positioned to challenge for the title that once slipped through his fingers.
