US Open 2026: Zverev frustrated with semi-final schedule, Rybakina becomes new WTA No.1

Men's semi-finals

Alexander Zverev (29) beat Dutchman Botic van de Zandschulp 6-2, 7-5, 6-1 in the quarter-finals and is the only player to have reached at least the semi-finals at all four Grand Slams in 2026. He will face Russian Karen Khachanov (30) in the semi-final, who advanced after Belgian Alex Blockx retired during their quarter-final (6-2, 7-5, 3-2) — according to Nine.com.au, Blockx was struggling with a rib injury, foot blisters and back problems. Zverev and Khachanov will replay the 2021 Tokyo Olympic final, which the German won.

Zverev has criticised the scheduling of his semi-final for the afternoon — 3pm New York time (9pm CEST) — rather than in the evening, as in all five of his previous matches at the tournament. "I haven't experienced that in twelve years on tour," he said, adding that he did not understand why Americans Frances Tiafoe and Ben Shelton, who had two extra days of rest, were given the later evening slot. He did, however, acknowledge he understood organisers wanting two Americans in the night session. As n-tv and BILD report, a similar situation occurred at the 2024 US Open, when Taylor Fritz and Tiafoe played in the evening despite having a day more rest than Jannik Sinner and Jack Draper. Regardless of the outcome, Sunday's final — starting at 2pm local time — will produce a new champion, since defending champion Carlos Alcaraz has already been eliminated.

Women: a new world No.1

Elena Rybakina beat Zheng Qinwen 3-6, 6-1, 6-4 in the quarter-finals to become the new WTA world No.1, ending Aryna Sabalenka's 99-week reign at the top and becoming the first Kazakh to hold the ranking. The semi-finals will pit Sabalenka against American Jessica Pegula, and Rybakina against home favourite Coco Gauff, who came back to beat Mirra Andreeva 2-6, 7-6, 6-2 after saving two match points. All four top seeds have reached the semi-finals — the first time this has happened at a Grand Slam since Wimbledon 2009. Sabalenka is chasing a third consecutive US Open title, something no woman has achieved since Serena Williams in 2012-2014. According to the Canberra Times, Sabalenka leads their head-to-head 9-4, though Pegula has won two of their last three meetings, including this year's Berlin Open semi-final.

Women's doubles

According to Eurosport, the women's doubles champions will also be decided on Friday, from 6pm CEST at Arthur Ashe Stadium, when top seeds Katerina Siniakova and Taylor Townsend face American pair Ashlyn Krueger and Robin Montgomery, who will be playing their first Grand Slam final.