Karen Khachanov is back in a Grand Slam semi-final for the first time in three and a half years, proving that sometimes, you just gotta grind your way to the top. This dude started the year with a rough 16-18 record, seriously. Who would’ve thought he’d be playing in the US Open men’s semi-final tonight at 3pm EST? His form these past couple of weeks has been absolutely electric, and it’s definitely gonna push him way up from his current world ranking of No. 50.
Khachanov’s Wild Ride to the Semis
Khachanov’s run to this semi-final spot has been nothing short of a boxing match, knocking out some serious contenders along the way. He’s already sent three seeded players packing! In the first round, he dominated Román Andrés Burruchaga 6-3, 6-0, 6-1. Then came the big one: he took down the 3rd seed, Felix Auger-Aliassime, in a tough four-setter 6-7 (5), 6-3, 6-2, 6-2. Benjamin Bonzi fell next 6-3, 6-2, 6-4, before Khachanov faced the 14th seed, Learner Tien, in a grueling five-set battle, winning 7-5, 4-6, 6-7(6), 6-1, 6-4. His quarter-final against the 28th seed Alexander Blockx saw Blockx retire injured during the third set, with Khachanov leading 6-2, 7-5, 3-2. That’s a serious gauntlet for a guy who started the year barely treading water.
Zverev’s Path and Khachanov’s Game Plan
On the other side of the net, Alexander Zverev has also been battling his way through some tough opponents. He kicked off his tournament beating Lorenzo Sonego 6-4, 3-6, 6-7(7), 7-5, 6-4, in a marathon. Quentin Halys pushed him to five sets too, with Zverev taking it 6-4, 4-6, 7-6(3), 6-7(3), 6-3. Then he dispatched the 25th seed Alejandro Tobillo 6-2, 7-6(2), 6-2 and the 21st seed Luciano Darderi 6-2, 6-2, 7-6(3). In his quarter-final, Zverev got past Botic van de Zandschulp in straight sets, 6-2, 7-5, 6-1.
Khachanov knows he’s gotta be on fire tonight. He’s talking about bringing his “best form,” needing “patience” and “to take control in the middle, to dictate, but not to rush.” The strategy is all about building points right and seizing opportunities. He specifically mentioned what he’s up against with Zverev, saying, “He has a big, big first serve, great return. So I have to be focused on that as well.” You gotta love that raw honesty heading into a massive match.
This US Open men’s semi-final at 3pm EST is going to be a must-watch showdown. Khachanov’s comeback story against Zverev’s consistent power? Bring on the drama!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by The Guardian.
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