New York, Sept 12:
Alexander Zverev stormed into the US Open final with a straight-sets victory over Karen Khachanov, keeping alive his hopes of winning a second Grand Slam title in a breakthrough season.
The German top seed defeated the 50th-ranked Russian 6-3, 7-6 (7), 7-6 (6) in the semi-final on Friday to secure his place in the title clash.
Zverev was pushed hard in both tiebreak sets, but remained composed when the pressure was at its highest. He eventually won both tiebreaks to complete a hard-fought victory without dropping a set.
The result continues what has been a remarkable transformation in Zverev’s Grand Slam campaign this season. After years of coming close to winning a major title without completing the final step, the German finally ended that wait at the French Open.
His success in Paris was followed by another deep run at Wimbledon, where he reached the final but lost to Jannik Sinner.
Now, Zverev has another opportunity to add a second Grand Slam title within the same season.
The German has been particularly dominant at the majors this year. He has won 24 of his 26 Grand Slam matches during the season, underlining the consistency that has turned him into one of the leading players on the tour.
His victory over Khachanov also extended his current run to 13 consecutive sets won.
Zverev’s progress is particularly significant given his long wait for a major breakthrough. He had previously reached Grand Slam finals and semifinals but repeatedly found himself falling short when the biggest prize was within reach.
The French Open triumph changed that narrative, and his run at Flushing Meadows has now given him another chance to establish himself among the season’s outstanding Grand Slam performers.
With another major final secured, Zverev will now look to complete the job and add the US Open crown to his growing list of achievements.