Alexander Zverev has charged into the final of the US Open, securing a three-set victory over Karen Chatschanow that puts the German star one win away from his second Grand Slam title.
The Semifinal Battle Against Karen Chatschanow
The encounter in New York brought together two players who have known each other since their junior days, echoing their past meeting in the singles final at the Tokyo 2021 Olympic Games where Zverev claimed gold. Facing the 50th-ranked Chatschanow on Thursday, the top-seeded German maintained control through the crucial moments, extending his streak to four consecutive matches won without dropping a set. While Chatschanow matched his opponent’s level at times—particularly during a tightly contested second set featuring intense rallies—Zverev’s composure in the tiebreaks proved decisive. The match also carried solemn weight, as the semifinals began with a tribute honoring the victims of the September 11 attacks, featuring a commemorative imprint on the hardcourt surface.
Chasing History and German Records
By advancing to the championship round, Zverev reached his sixth career Grand Slam final and claimed several notable national milestones. Furthermore, reaching three consecutive Grand Slam finals sets a new standard for German tennis. Zverev is now aiming to become the first German man to capture the New York singles title since Becker accomplished the feat in 1989. Reflecting on his journey through the season, Zverev noted in his on-court interview: “Sometimes things go your way. I was so close so many times. Maybe God said, ‘This year is your year, just have fun on the court.'”
A Shift in Schedule and the Championship Horizon
Unlike his earlier matches in the tournament, which typically commenced after dark, Zverev faced Chatschanow during the afternoon session. That schedule adjustment may offer a tactical advantage heading into Sunday’s final, as the championship match is slated for an afternoon start at 2:00 PM local time (8:00 PM CEST). Zverev will face the winner of the all-American semifinal between Ben Shelton and Frances Tiafoe. While the German holds a strong head-to-head record against both potential opponents, he acknowledges the additional challenge of playing against a partisan American crowd. Having already surpassed the injured Jannik Sinner in the year-to-date standings through his deep run in New York, Zverev stands on the precipice of crowning an exceptional season.
