Alexander Zverev looks to seize huge opening, Tiafoe-Shelton chase American dream
The US Open men’s singles draw has opened up dramatically for Alexander Zverev. The German is the only Grand Slam champion left standing, with Jannik Sinner absent, Novak Djokovic eliminated in the opening round and defending champion Carlos Alcaraz knocked out by Ben Shelton in the quarter-finals.
Zverev now has a major opportunity to add a second Grand Slam title, but Karen Khachanov stands between him and a place in the final. The other semi-final will be an all-American showdown between Frances Tiafoe and Shelton, guaranteeing a home player in the US Open final for the second time in three years after Taylor Fritz’s run in 2024.
With Andy Roddick’s 2003 US Open triumph still the most recent men’s singles Grand Slam title won by an American, the stakes could hardly be higher.
A GOLDEN OPPORTUNITY FOR ZVEREV
Zverev has grown into the tournament after being pushed to five sets by Lorenzo Sonego and Quentin Halys. He followed that with a dominant 6-2, 7-5, 6-1 win over Botic van de Zandschulp to reach his 13th Grand Slam semi-final and fourth of 2026.
The result took his Grand Slam match wins this year to 23, surpassing Boris Becker’s German record of 22 in 1989.
More importantly, Zverev has never had a clearer route to the US Open title. Sinner, Djokovic and Alcaraz — three of the biggest obstacles in recent years — are all out of the tournament.
The German also has the confidence of having won his maiden Grand Slam title at Roland Garros earlier this year. After years of near misses, Zverev finally knows what it takes to close out a major. He now has the chance to do it again in New York.
KHACHANOV A DANGEROUS OBSTACLE
Khachanov was hardly among the pre-tournament favourites, arriving in New York on a four-match losing streak. Yet the Russian has turned his fortunes around, beating third seed Felix Auger-Aliassime and surviving a five-set battle against Learner Tien.
He reached the semi-finals after Alexander Blockx retired while trailing 6-2, 7-5, 3-2, earning Khachanov his first US Open last-four appearance since 2022.
Zverev leads their head-to-head 6-3, including a dominant 6-3, 6-1 victory in the 2021 Tokyo Olympics final. But Khachanov’s powerful serve and heavy groundstrokes make him a tricky opponent, particularly on a hard court.
With the pressure firmly on Zverev, Khachanov can afford to play with freedom. That could make him a bigger threat than his ranking or pre-tournament form suggested.
ZVEREV LOOKING TO PUT 2020 HEARTBREAK BEHIND
Zverev’s history at the US Open is inseparable from the 2020 final.
He was two sets up against Dominic Thiem and served for the championship in the fifth set before the Austrian fought back to win 2-6, 4-6, 6-4, 6-3, 7-6. It remains one of the most painful defeats of Zverev’s career.
There have been other major disappointments. He led Alcaraz by two sets to one in the 2024 French Open final before losing in five and was beaten by Sinner in the 2025 Australian Open final.
But his breakthrough at Roland Garros this year changed the narrative. Zverev now has the experience of surviving — and winning — a Grand Slam final.
A second major in New York would offer the perfect answer to the ghosts of 2020.
TIAFOE VS SHELTON: AN AMERICAN THRILLER AWAITS
The other semi-final has all the ingredients for a thriller, with both Tiafoe and Shelton arriving full of confidence after dramatic quarter-final victories.
Tiafoe came back from two sets down and a break behind to beat fellow American Alex Michelsen 5-7, 3-6, 7-5, 6-3, 7-6(6) in 4 hours and 39 minutes. The victory took him into his third US Open semi-final.
Shelton produced an even bigger statement, ending Alcaraz’s title defence in a five-set epic that finished at 3:33am. He won 6-7(5), 6-1, 6-3, 1-6, 7-6(10-7), firing a 146mph ace on match point to complete one of the biggest wins of his career.
Shelton will be full of confidence after beating a top-three player for the first time in his career. The pair bring contrasting styles to the contest, while Tiafoe has the advantage of two previous US Open semi-final appearances and Shelton has shown he can handle the biggest stage.
Shelton leads the head-to-head 3-1, but the form of both players suggests there is little between them heading into one of the biggest all-American men’s matches at Flushing Meadows in years.
One will reach the final. For American tennis, it is another chance to end a 23-year wait for a men’s singles Grand Slam champion.
Alexander Zverev vs Karen Khachanov Head-to-head
Overall
Matches – 9, Alexander Zverev – 6, Karen Khachanov – 0
In Grand Slams
Matches – 1, Alexander Zverev – 1, Karen Khachanov – 0
Ben Shelton vs Frances Tiafoe Head-to-head
Overall
Matches – 4, Ben Shelton – 3, Frances Tiafoe – 1
In Grand Slams
Matches – 2, Ben Shelton – 1, Frances Tiafoe – 1
When to watch the US Open 2026 semifinals?
The first US Open 2026 men’s singles semifinal between Alexander Zverev and Karen Khachanov will not begin before 3:00 PM local time (September 11), 12:30 AM IST (September 12).
The second semifinal between Frances Tiafoe and Ben Shelton won’t start before 7 PM local time (September 11), 4:30 AM IST (September 12)
The women’s doubles final will start at 12 PM local time (September 11), 9:30 PM IST (September 12).
Where to watch the US Open 2026 semifinals?
Sony Sports Network has the broadcasting rights for the US Open 2026 men’s singles semifinals. Live Streaming of the matches will be available on Sony LIV.
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