Alexander Zverev has moved comfortably into the semifinals of the US Open in New York, securing a straight-sets victory over Botic van de Zandschulp while simultaneously surpassing a historical milestone previously held by Boris Becker.
Zverev Outpaces Boris Becker with Record Grand Slam Run
The 23rd match win of the season at a Grand Slam tournament allowed Zverev to surpass the previous German record of 22 set by Boris Becker back in 1989. With this quarterfinal victory over the 70th-ranked Dutchman van de Zandschulp, Zverev also achieved a historic career milestone: for the first time, he has reached at least the semifinals at all four major championships within a single calendar year.
„Der hat noch ein paar Grand-Slam-Titel mehr als ich. Ich hoffe, da kann ich ihm noch etwas näherrücken“, Zverev remarked regarding the comparison with the six-time major champion, who served as a TV expert for sporteurope.tv during the tournament and praised the achievement as „Was eine Statistik“.””
A Frustrating Schedule Change Ahead of the Semifinals
Despite his dominant progression through the tournament, Zverev voiced sharp criticism regarding the scheduling of his upcoming semifinal match. Rather than playing under the stadium lights in a prime-time night session—an environment he has experienced for his past five consecutive appearances—he must face Russian opponent Karen Khachanow in an afternoon slot at 15.00 local time (21.00 CEST) on Friday.
„Das spielt mir mit Sicherheit nicht in die Karten“, Zverev stated following his quarterfinal win. „Ich finde es etwas komisch, dass Leute, die zwei Tage freihaben, jetzt nach uns spielen. Das habe ich in meinen zwölf Jahren auf Tour noch nie erlebt.“ In the opposing semifinal bracket, American players Frances Tiafoe and Ben Shelton are scheduled for the 19.00 night session.””
Tactical Breakdown and Quarterfinal Turning Points
The encounter against van de Zandschulp lasted two hours and seventeen minutes, concluding at 22.20 local time—making it Zverev’s earliest finish in New York this season. While the scoreline reflects a comfortable margin, the match featured stretches of uneven play. Zverev committed three double faults in his opening two service games before van de Zandschulp faltered with unforced errors, handing over the first break.
During the opening set, chair umpire James Keothavong was forced to quiet murmuring spectators in the Arthur Ashe Stadium amid a subdued atmosphere. In the second set, Zverev saved a crucial break point at 2:3 before breaking his opponent’s serve and closing out the remainder of the match efficiently. Zverev acknowledged that he spent the early hours of his matchday watching the dramatic late-night battle between Ben Shelton and defending champion Carlos Alcaraz until 4:30 AM, noting that late nights have become routine for him on tour.
Next Opponent and Tournament Outlook
Zverev holds a 6:3 head-to-head record against Karen Khachanow, whom he previously defeated in the final of the 2021 Olympic Games in Tokyo. As he prepares for Friday’s afternoon semifinal, the tournament schedule requires him to adjust his sleep patterns ahead of the potential final scheduled for Sunday at 14.00 local time.
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