Zverev sets German record and reaches US Open semifinal
Alexander Zverev cruised past Botic van de Zandschulp in the US Open quarterfinal, setting a new German record of 23 Grand Slam match wins in a single calendar year. He will face Karen Khachanov in the semifinal.
German tennis player Alexander Zverev (29) has reached the semifinal of the US Open after a straightforward 6:2, 7:5, 6:1 win over Dutchman Botic van de Zandschulp (30) in the quarterfinal. This marks the third time the Hamburg native has reached the US Open semifinal, following appearances in 2020 and 2021.
A new German record
With the victory, Zverev broke Germany's previous record for Grand Slam match wins within a single calendar year, now standing at 23. The prior mark of 22 wins belonged to tennis legend Boris Becker, set in 1989, the year he won the US Open. Two more wins would allow Zverev to extend this tally further.
How the match unfolded
The world No. 2 took the first set comfortably 6:2, though according to sportschau.de he struggled with his serve and committed five double faults. The second set turned into a tight contest — Zverev had to fend off two break points on his own serve before converting his first break chance at 5:5 to close out the set 7:5. In the third set, the German's game improved steadily; he secured a double break and finished the match in 2 hours and 17 minutes, winning 6:1.
BILD reports a curious moment during the match: Zverev told the umpire he was missing a racket, only to find it shortly after in his own bag, which drew laughter from both him and the official.
What's next
On Friday, Zverev will face Russian Karen Khachanov (30) in the semifinal — the man he beat in the 2021 Tokyo Olympics final, making it a rematch five years later. Khachanov advanced to the semifinal after his quarterfinal opponent, Belgian Alexander Blockx (21), retired with a thigh injury. The exact start time for Friday's match (New York time) has not yet been confirmed, though BILD notes Zverev may have to play in the afternoon for the first time this tournament, a departure from the night matches he generally prefers.
In the other semifinal, Americans Ben Shelton (23) and Frances Tiafoe (28) will face each other. Zverev is also this year's French Open champion and a 2026 Wimbledon finalist.
