Zverev Storms Into US Open Final! Alexander Holds His Nerve to Beat Khachanov
Alexander Zverev is back in the US Open final. The German held his nerve through two tense tiebreaks to defeat Karen Khachanov 6-3, 7-6(7), 7-6(6) and book his place in Sunday's championship match.
Zverev's victory gives him another chance to lift the trophy at Flushing Meadows after his heartbreaking defeat in the 2020 US Open final. It also puts the reigning French Open champion into his third consecutive Grand Slam final.
Zverev Takes Control Early
The opening set was decided by a single break, with Zverev finding the breakthrough when Khachanov was serving at 3-4. The German converted his first break point of the match and immediately put himself in position to close out the set.
Zverev did exactly that, serving out the opener 6-3 after just 37 minutes. His ability to control the baseline exchanges while also using his height and serve effectively gave Khachanov little room to dictate.
Two Tiebreaks Decide a Tense Battle
Khachanov raised his level after the first set and made the remaining two sets far more competitive. Neither player could find a decisive break in the third set, while the second set also moved into a tiebreak after the two exchanged breaks earlier in the frame.
Zverev's serving proved crucial. He hit seven aces in the second set alone and eventually converted his third set point in the tiebreak to take a 2-0 lead.
The third set was even more dramatic. Khachanov raced into a 5-2 lead in the tiebreak and had two set points at 6-4, but Zverev refused to surrender. The German won the next five points to take the tiebreak 8-6 and complete the straight-set victory.
Another Grand Slam Final for Zverev
The victory continues a remarkable Grand Slam season for the German. Zverev won his first major title at Roland Garros earlier this year and has now reached another major final at the US Open.
This is also Zverev's second US Open final. His previous appearance came in 2020, when he let a two-set lead slip against Dominic Thiem in a dramatic five-set final.
His latest run has been particularly impressive because of how his tournament changed after a difficult start. Zverev was pushed to five sets in each of his first two matches but has now won four consecutive matches without dropping a set.
Zverev's Head-to-Head Edge Over Khachanov
The semifinal was the 10th meeting between the two players. Zverev entered with a 6-3 advantage and extended that lead with another victory in New York.
The German also previously defeated Khachanov in the gold-medal match at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, adding another major chapter to their rivalry.
A Brand-New US Open Champion Awaits
One thing is already certain about Sunday's men's final: there will be a new US Open champion in 2026. Carlos Alcaraz, the defending champion, was eliminated by Ben Shelton in the quarterfinals.
Zverev will now face the winner of the all-American semifinal between Ben Shelton and Frances Tiafoe. Regardless of the opponent, Zverev will enter the final with another major title within touching distance.