Alexander Zverev shrugs off rocky start, cruises past Zandschulp into US Open semis

Alexander Zverev’s US Open campaign has gone from rocky to rather comfortable. The top seed brushed aside Botic van de Zandschulp 6-2, 7-5, 6-1 on Wednesday to storm into the semi-finals and keep his bid for a second Grand Slam title firmly on track.

Zverev needed five sets in each of his opening two rounds, becoming the first men’s No. 1 seed in the Open Era to do so at a major. Since then, however, the 29-year-old has found another gear, winning three consecutive matches in straight sets.

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The world No. 2 was barely troubled by van de Zandschulp, who had already survived two five-set battles in the previous four days. Zverev broke twice in the opening set and never allowed the Dutchman to settle, although the second set briefly offered a glimpse of a contest.

Van de Zandschulp earned a set point while leading 5-4, but failed to convert as Zverev held firm. The German then broke in the following game before serving out the set, effectively ending his opponent’s hopes of a comeback.

ZVEREV’S ROCKY START NOW A DISTANT MEMORY

Zverev’s early struggles in New York now feel like a distant memory. His powerful first serve and ability to force errors from opponents once again proved decisive, with the German saving both break points he faced and finishing with eight aces.

The victory also completes a remarkable Grand Slam sweep for Zverev in 2026. He has now reached the semi-finals at all four majors this season, becoming the only men’s player to achieve the feat.

His year has already included his maiden Grand Slam title at Roland Garros and a runner-up finish at Wimbledon. He also reached the Australian Open semi-finals, where he lost to Carlos Alcaraz.

KHACHANOV AWAITS IN THE SEMI-FINAL

Zverev will face Karen Khachanov in the last four on Friday after the Russian advanced when Alexander Blockx retired while trailing 6-2, 7-5, 3-2.

Khachanov has already eliminated third seed Felix Auger-Aliassime and 14th seed Learner Tien on his run to the semi-finals. Zverev, though, has won six of their nine previous meetings.

With Alcaraz already eliminated and Jannik Sinner absent from the tournament, Zverev has a major opportunity in front of him. Another two victories would give the German a second Grand Slam title of the season and his first US Open crown.

– Ends