Alexander Zverev breaks Boris Becker's record to complete 2026 US Open semi-final sweep
New York: Alexander Zverev powered into the US Open semi-finals for the third time in his career with a commanding 6-2, 7-5, 6-1 victory over Botic van de Zandschulp on Wednesday.
The German top seed required little over two hours to eliminate the Dutchman, extending a formidable season that previously featured his maiden Grand Slam triumph at Roland Garros.
Zverev proved particularly resolute during critical moments in the second set, where van de Zandschulp threatened to mount a comeback. Trailing 3-2, the Dutchman engineered his first break point of the match, but Zverev held firm, prevailing in a gruelling 33-shot rally to erase the opportunity.
Van de Zandschulp later earned a set point on Zverev's serve whilst leading 5-4, but an unforced forehand error from the Dutchman brought the extended exchange to an end. Zverev capitalised on the opening, secured a break of serve, and served out the set 7-5.
The third set proved largely one-sided as Zverev accelerated to a 6-1 finish, completing a straight-sets win to reach his 13th Grand Slam semi-final.
The 29-year-old has compiled 51 match victories on the ATP Tour this season, the highest tally on the circuit. His 23 Grand Slam match wins this year also mark the highest single-season tally by a German male player, surpassing Boris Becker's previous record of 22 set in 1989.
Zverev has also become only the ninth male player in the Open Era to reach the semi-finals at all four Grand Slam tournaments within a single calendar year.
His season commenced with a semi-final appearance at the Australian Open before he claimed the Roland Garros title in a five-set final against Flavio Cobolli. He subsequently reached the Wimbledon final, falling to world No. 1 Jannik Sinner.
Zverev will next face Karen Khachanov in the last four. The German holds a 6-3 lead in their head-to-head record, having also defeated the Russian in the gold-medal match at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics.
The 25-time tour-level champion will aim to reach the final in New York for the first time since 2020, when he came within two points of victory before Dominic Thiem rallied from two sets down to claim the title in five sets.
Van de Zandschulp saw his campaign end in the quarter-finals, matching his career-best run at Flushing Meadows set in 2021 when he reached the last eight as a qualifier. The 30-year-old reached the quarter-finals following consecutive five-set victories, including a fourth-round comeback from two sets down against Arthur Gea in which he saved a match point.
The second men's singles semi-final will feature an all-American clash between Frances Tiafoe and Ben Shelton. Shelton secured his spot in the last four by defeating defending champion Carlos Alcaraz, whilst Tiafoe overcame Alex Michelsen. Both semi-finals will take place Saturday at Arthur Ashe Stadium.
ANI