Alexander Zverev returns to US Open final after 6 years, completes rare hat-trick
Alexander Zverev is back in the US Open final. Six years after his heartbreaking defeat to Dominic Thiem in the 2020 championship match, the German has earned another shot at the title in New York, beating Karen Khachanov 6-3, 7-6(7), 7-6(6) in the semi-final on Friday.
The victory takes Zverev into his sixth Grand Slam final and second US Open final, while extending a remarkable 2026 campaign. The 29-year-old has now reached the final in three successive Grand Slam tournaments played this year, winning the French Open and finishing runner-up at Wimbledon before making the championship match at Flushing Meadows.
Before 2026, Zverev had reached only three major finals: the 2020 US Open, 2024 French Open and 2025 Australian Open. He has matched that total in a single season this year, underlining the scale of his resurgence. Friday's win was also his 52nd of 2026, a tour-leading mark that reflects the consistency behind his breakthrough season.
The German will face the winner of the all-American semi-final between Frances Tiafoe and Ben Shelton in Sunday's final.The top seed will compete for the US Open title!Alexander Zverev defeats Khachanov in straight sets, 6-3, 7-6, 7-6. pic.twitter.com/3HxgWDkFyvβ US Open Tennis (@usopen) September 11, 2026ZVEREV SURVIVES TWO TIGHT TIE-BREAKS
The match began with Zverev looking in control. His serve gave him a reliable platform while his baseline game repeatedly pushed Khachanov into uncomfortable positions. After the Russian levelled at 3-3, Zverev raised his intensity at the crucial moment to secure the only break he needed and take the opening set.
Khachanov responded strongly in the second. Zverev initially surged 2-0 ahead, but the Russian found greater aggression from both wings and turned the set around. He moved 5-4 ahead and put Zverev under pressure before the German held firm to force a tie-break.
The tie-break became a test of nerve. Zverev missed two set points but converted his third opportunity to move within one set of the final. Khachanov had played his best tennis of the match, yet Zverev continued to find answers when the pressure was highest.KHACHANOV PUSHES ZVEREV TO THE LIMIT Karen Khachanov made Zverev work hard in the last 2 sets. Courtesy: Reuters
The third set was another battle of fine margins. Khachanov became increasingly comfortable behind his serve, frequently holding to love, while Zverev relied on his first serve and power to escape difficult situations.
There was also an unusual interruption when Zverev complained to the chair umpire about spectators opening doors and allowing sunlight to reach the court. The distraction failed to derail him. He moved ahead 5-4 and later 6-5, but Khachanov held both times to force another tie-break.
This time, the Russian appeared to have the advantage. Khachanov raced to a 6-4 lead and earned two set points, but Zverev produced the decisive response. He saved both, levelled the tie-break and eventually converted his opportunity to complete a straight-sets victory after two hours and 57 minutes.FROM EARLY STRUGGLES TO ANOTHER FINAL
The result is particularly impressive given how close Zverev came to an early exit in New York. He was taken to five sets by Lorenzo Sonego in the opening round, surviving after nearly five hours and coming back from two sets to one down.
He then needed another five-set battle against Quentin Halys, winning 6-4, 4-6, 7-6(3), 6-7(3), 6-3 in four hours and 33 minutes. Since those early struggles, however, Zverev has found a different level. He has won his last four matches without dropping a set, including a dominant 6-2, 7-5, 6-1 quarter-final victory over Botic van de Zandschulp.
Whether it is Shelton or Tiafoe standing across the net on Sunday, Zverev has already ensured that 2026 will be remembered as the season in which he turned repeated Grand Slam heartbreak into sustained success.- EndsPublished By: sabyasachi chowdhuryPublished On: Sep 12, 2026 04:33 IST
