US Open 2026: Zverev Sweeps into Semis, Breaks Becker’s Grand Slam Mark

Alexander Zverev swept into his third US Open semi-final, overpowering Botic van de Zandschulp 6-2, 7-5, 6-1 and moving past a Grand Slam benchmark set by Boris Becker in 1989.

The German top seed needed little more than two hours to reach the last four in New York. His 23rd Grand Slam match victory of 2026 is the most by a German man in a single season, surpassing Becker’s tally of 22.

Zverev also became only the ninth different men’s player in the Open Era to reach the semi-finals of all four majors in one season, according to the ATP. He will face Karen Khachanov for a place in the final.

A 33-shot rally and a missed opportunity

The scoreline was emphatic, but Zverev had to negotiate a second-set challenge before taking control.

After losing the opener 6-2, Van de Zandschulp earned his first break point while leading 3-2 in the second set. Zverev survived it by winning a gruelling 33-shot rally.

The Dutchman had another chance at 5-4, earning a set point on Zverev’s serve. An extended exchange ended with a Van de Zandschulp forehand error, allowing the German to escape.

Zverev then broke serve and secured the set 7-5. He conceded just one game in the third to complete the victory and reach his 13th Grand Slam semi-final.

Four majors, four deep runs

The result extended a breakthrough season for the 29-year-old, who leads the ATP Tour with 51 match wins this year.

Zverev reached the Australian Open semi-finals before claiming his first Grand Slam title at Roland Garros, defeating Flavio Cobolli in a five-set final. He followed that with a Wimbledon final appearance, losing to world No. 1 Jannik Sinner.

Now he has another opportunity in New York, where he came within two points of winning the 2020 final before Dominic Thiem fought back to prevail in five sets.

Khachanov stands between Zverev and the final

Zverev leads Khachanov 6-3 in their head-to-head record. Those victories include the gold-medal match at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021.

The German, who has won 25 tour-level titles, will be chasing his second US Open final appearance.

For Van de Zandschulp, the defeat ended his second run to the quarter-finals at Flushing Meadows, having previously reached that stage as a qualifier in 2021.

The 30-year-old arrived after consecutive five-set victories. In the fourth round, he recovered from two sets down and saved a match point against Arthur Gea, but could not extend his run against Zverev.

The other semi-final will pit Frances Tiafoe against Ben Shelton in an all-American contest. Shelton knocked out defending champion Carlos Alcaraz, while Tiafoe beat Alex Michelsen.

Both semi-finals are scheduled for Saturday at Arthur Ashe Stadium.

With inputs from ANI