Karen Khachanov advanced to the semifinals of the US Open 2026 at Flushing Meadows in New York after Alexander Blockx was forced to retire due to physical exhaustion and injury during their quarterfinal match on Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2026. According to reports from Eurosport, the match ended with a score of 6-2, 7-5, 3-2 in favor of Khachanov after Blockx retired in the third set following 1 hour and 15 minutes of play.
Physical Toll Halts Blockx’s Major Milestone
Alexander Blockx’s breakthrough run at Flushing Meadows ended in disappointment as mounting physical ailments forced the 21-year-old Belgian to abandon his quarterfinal match. Throughout the tournament, the young Belgian had battled a series of injuries, including hamstring issues against Flavio Cobolli and rib pain during his match against Francisco Cerundolo, as detailed in coverage from Eurosport. Against Khachanov, Blockx struggled with painful blisters before suffering a nerve block in his lower back during the second set that severely restricted his mobility.
“I think today my body just gave up,” Blockx told reporters in his post-match press conference, as reported by Eurosport. “As I said two days ago, I was already very tired physically. Against Francisco, I was two fingers away from retiring, and today, yes, it only got worse. I still felt my rib a lot. My leg too. Then, during the second set, I blocked a nerve in my back, which made movement even more difficult.”
Despite the abrupt finish, the tournament marked a major milestone for Blockx, who was competing in the deep rounds of a Grand Slam main draw for the first time. His previous major appearance at Roland-Garros ended prematurely when an injury sustained during training forced him to withdraw before his second-round match.
Khachanov Returns to Major Semifinals
For Karen Khachanov, the victory marks a significant return to the penultimate stage of a Grand Slam tournament. According to Eurosport, it is Khachanov’s first major semifinal appearance since the Australian Open three and a half years prior, and his first time reaching the final four at Flushing Meadows in four years.
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Khachanov controlled the pace of the quarterfinal early on, capitalizing on Blockx’s physical limitations. The former Madrid Masters semifinalist erased two break points on his serve and conceded little ground as Blockx’s movement deteriorated. With the retirement secured in the third set, Khachanov moves forward to the semifinal round in New York.
Next Opponent and Schedule
Karen Khachanov will face the winner of the quarterfinal match between Alexander Zverev and Botic van de Zandschulp.
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