Zverev joins Federer and Djokovic in a rare milestone after US Open semifinal

(US Open 2026 result) - Alexander Zverev beat Karen Khachanov 6-3, 7-6(7), 7-6(6) to secure his second US Open final berth. The German player has now reached the championship match of a major for the third straight time.

Zverev subdues Khachanov after two tie-break sets

Alexander Zverev needed only three sets to get past Karen Khachanov and earn a spot in the 2026 US Open final, but the two consecutive tie-breaks made the semifinal much more tense than the scoreline suggests.

Zverev started solidly, secured an early break, and closed the opening set 6-3. The top seed maintained his advantage early in the second set, but Khachanov quickly broke back, ending his opponent's streak of 37 consecutive service games without being broken.

The Russian gradually found his rhythm and pushed the set into a 14-minute tie-break. Khachanov had a chance to shift the momentum, but costly errors at crucial moments proved decisive. Zverev kept his composure to win 9-7, taking a two-set lead.

The third set followed a similar pattern. Khachanov again gained an advantage in the tie-break but could not capitalize. Zverev patiently fought back, clinching it 8-6 to seal the match 6-3, 7-6(7), 7-6(6).

The victory improved Zverev's head-to-head record against Khachanov to seven wins in ten meetings. This also marks the 29-year-old's second appearance in the final at Flushing Meadows.

"I've improved my form with each round and I'm really looking forward to the final on Sunday", Zverev said.

A milestone only six players have reached

The ticket to the final gives Zverev his third consecutive appearance in the last match of a Grand Slam. In the 21st century, only six other male players have accomplished this feat: Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, Andy Murray, Carlos Alcaraz, and Jannik Sinner.

Among them, Federer holds the most outstanding record with 10 straight Grand Slam final appearances. Zverev may not yet match the Swiss legend's dominant streak, but joining this group of top players from different generations highlights his consistency this season.

The reigning Roland Garros champion currently boasts a 24-2 record at Grand Slams in 2026. If he wins again in New York, Zverev will complete a double of major titles in a single season.

This milestone is even more remarkable considering his start at the US Open. Zverev had to play five sets in each of his first two rounds, including matches that ended after 2 a.m. Most of his total 19-plus hours on court at this tournament came from those two grueling encounters.

After the second round, even Zverev himself did not believe he could go far. He and his team members even laughed in the locker room when reviewing his lackluster performance.

"At 3 a.m., my team and I sat in the locker room laughing because I played so poorly. At that moment, I didn't think I could make anything happen in this tournament. Yet now I'm preparing for the final on Sunday", Zverev shared.

However, the top seed has completely transformed since then. After two five-set battles, Zverev won four consecutive rounds without dropping another set, bringing him closer to his second Grand Slam title.

Chance to erase the US Open 2020 heartbreak

The last time Zverev made the US Open final was in 2020. He led Dominic Thiem by two sets and was just two points away from the title, but ultimately let his opponent stage a comeback.

That loss took place on Arthur Ashe Stadium with almost no spectators due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Zverev admitted that he was not in great form throughout the tournament, yet still came very close to his first Grand Slam title.

"I didn't play well throughout that whole tournament in 2020. That hasn't changed, but I still reached the final and was only two points away from the championship", the German recalled.

Six years later, Zverev returns to the final in New York with a different status. His appearances in major finals have given him more experience, while his Roland Garros 2026 title has relieved the pressure of seeking a first Grand Slam.

Zverev's opponent in the final will be Ben Shelton, who defeated Frances Tiafoe in the all-American semifinal. Shelton will receive passionate support in New York as he aims to end a 23-year drought for American men's singles Grand Slam champions.

Zverev holds a clear advantage in their head-to-head record, having won all five previous meetings. However, the final on Arthur Ashe will be a completely different challenge, as the majority of the crowd will undoubtedly side with the home player.

The top seed is not intimidated by that prospect. On the contrary, Zverev is excited for the chance to play on a packed Arthur Ashe Stadium, a stark contrast to the empty atmosphere of the 2020 final.

"I think playing a final on a packed Arthur Ashe will feel amazing. I always enjoy lively and energetic crowds, as long as the support is fair", Zverev said.