After a challenging start to the tournament, world No. 2 Alexander Zverev cruised past Botic van de Zandschulp in straight sets. The victory marks a historic milestone as Zverev becomes the only man to reach all four Grand Slam semi-finals in 2026.

  • Alexander Zverev defeated Botic van de Zandschulp 6-2, 7-5, 6-1 to enter the semi-finals.
  • Zverev is the first male player in 2026 to reach the semi-finals of all four Grand Slam tournaments.
  • He will face Karen Khachanov in the semi-finals this Friday.

The US Open has witnessed a remarkable turnaround for the top seed, Alexander Zverev. After a nerve-wracking start to his campaign in New York, the German powerhouse found his rhythm on Wednesday, brushing aside Botic van de Zandschulp with a commanding 6-2, 7-5, 6-1 victory. This win not only secures his place in the semi-finals but also keeps his pursuit of a second major title of the season firmly alive.

Zverev's journey to the final four was far from smooth. In a statistical anomaly for a top seed, he required five sets to navigate both his opening and second-round matches, becoming the first men's No. 1 seed in the Open Era to do so at a major. However, the 29-year-old has since shifted gears, winning three consecutive matches in straight sets, demonstrating a level of dominance and mental fortitude that has left opponents struggling for answers.

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Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that Zverev's consistency in 2026 is unprecedented. By reaching the semi-finals of the Australian Open, Roland Garros, Wimbledon, and now the US Open, he has established a baseline of performance that places him in an elite bracket of tennis history. With heavyweights like Carlos Alcaraz already eliminated and Jannik Sinner absent, the path to the trophy is wider than ever for the German.

Zverev's ability to recover from five-set marathons early in the tournament proves he has reached a new peak of physical and psychological endurance.

During the match, the world No. 2 was rarely threatened. While van de Zandschulp managed to secure a set point at 5-4 in the second set, Zverev's resilience prevailed. The German's powerful first serve and precision baseline play forced numerous errors from the Dutchman, ending the match with eight aces and saving every break point he faced.

Looking ahead, Zverev is set to clash with Karen Khachanov on Friday. Khachanov advanced to the semi-finals after Alexander Blockx retired mid-match. While Khachanov has been a giant-killer this tournament—eliminating Felix Auger-Aliassime—Zverev holds a psychological edge, having won six of their nine previous head-to-head encounters.

Historically, Zverev's 2026 season has been a career-defining year. Having already claimed his maiden Grand Slam title at Roland Garros and finishing as runner-up at Wimbledon, a victory in New York would cement his status as the dominant force in men's tennis for the calendar year.

Metric Alexander Zverev Botic van de Zandschulp
Match Score 6-2, 7-5, 6-1 (Winner) 2-6, 5-7, 1-6
Aces 8 Low
2026 GS Semis 4/4 0/4
Did You Know?: Alexander Zverev is the first No. 1 seed in the Open Era to win his first two rounds in five sets at a single Grand Slam tournament.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who will Alexander Zverev play in the US Open semi-finals?
Zverev will face Karen Khachanov in the semi-finals on Friday.

What is Zverev's record in Grand Slams in 2026?
He has reached the semi-finals of all four majors, winning Roland Garros and reaching the final of Wimbledon.