Alexander Zverev Reaches US Open Final After Six Years
Alexander Zverev defeated Karen Khachanov in straight sets to return to the US Open final and reach three consecutive Grand Slam finals in 2026.
Alexander Zverev has returned to the US Open final for the first time since 2020 after defeating Karen Khachanov in straight sets at Flushing Meadows. The German secured a 6-3, 7-6(7), 7-6(6) victory to reach his sixth Grand Slam final.
The result caps a remarkable 2026 season for Zverev, who has now reached three consecutive Grand Slam finals. He won the French Open and finished runner-up at Wimbledon before making another title match at the US Open. His latest victory also took his season tally to 52 wins, the most on tour.
Zverev had to withstand strong challenges from Khachanov in the final two sets. The Russian forced tie-breaks in both, but Zverev held his nerve when it mattered. In the third-set tie-break, Khachanov led 6-4 and had two set points, only for Zverev to save both and complete the straight-sets win after nearly three hours.
His run in New York began with difficult five-set victories over Lorenzo Sonego and Quentin Halys. Since then, he has won four consecutive matches without dropping a set.
Zverev will now face Ben Shelton in Sunday's final. Shelton defeated Frances Tiafoe in the other semi-final to reach his first Grand Slam title match. The German has won all five of his previous meetings with Shelton.
