US Open ticket prices for Alexander Zverev's semifinal have plunged since his meeting with Karen Khachanov was confirmed, with seats that were previously priced at more than $300 now available for less than $30. Some tickets are selling for around $22, meaning fans can watch the No. 1 seed compete for a place in the final for a fraction of what they would have paid only days earlier.
The scale of the fall is particularly striking given what is at stake for Zverev. The German arrived in New York as the No. 1 seed and world No. 2, having finally won his first Grand Slam title at Roland Garros earlier this year.
That makes the apparent lack of demand difficult to reconcile with Zverev's position in the sport. The German has just cruised past Botic van de Zandschulp 6-2, 7-5, 6-1 to reach his fourth Grand Slam semifinal of the season, while Khachanov advanced after Alexander Blockx was forced to retire. This is a major semifinal featuring the world's No. 2 player, yet tickets have fallen from more than $300 to below $30.
There are, however, obvious differences between Friday's two men's semifinals. Zverev and Khachanov will play during the day, while Ben Shelton and Frances Tiafoe will meet in the night session in an all-American clash. That matchup carries an obvious local appeal, particularly with two of the country's most recognizable players competing under the lights for a place in the final.
A surprising contrast for Zverev
The scheduling could therefore explain part of the gap, but it does not entirely remove the intrigue surrounding the ticket market. Khachanov is a former world No. 8, Olympic silver medallist, and two-time Grand Slam semifinalist, while Zverev has already established himself as a fixture at the business end of major tournaments.
Zverev's recent achievements make the situation even more unusual. His French Open victory ended years of frustration at the Grand Slams, and his progress in New York has given him another chance to prove that breakthrough was not an isolated moment. He is also competing with Jannik Sinner's absence creating an opening at the top of the rankings.
The German's potential move to No. 1 adds another layer to the story. Zverev cannot take the ranking with him onto court on Friday, but every additional victory brings him closer to the position he has spent years trying to reach. A place in the US Open final would therefore have significance beyond simply adding another major final to his resume.
For Khachanov, the opportunity is just as substantial. The Russian has reached this stage of a Grand Slam before but has never progressed to a singles final at a major. Beating Zverev would change that, while also giving him another chance to build on a career that has already included an Olympic medal and two Grand Slam semifinal appearances.
Now under $30 to see #1 seeded Zverev in a Grand Slam semifinal today.
— Ben Rothenberg (@BenRothenberg) September 11, 2026
And some prices are as low as $22, which is cheaper than one Honey Deuce. https://t.co/VcybPyKaO0 pic.twitter.com/FcvOAtxR9J
What happens without Alcaraz and Sinner?
The more uncomfortable question concerns the wider men's game. Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner have become the dominant figures of the current generation, both competitively and in terms of the attention surrounding the sport's biggest matches. With neither player involved in the second week in New York, the tournament is offering the rest of the field an opportunity to occupy some of that space.
Zverev is arguably the obvious candidate to do so. He is the highest-ranked player remaining on his side of the draw, a recent Grand Slam champion and a potential future No. 1. Yet the extraordinary movement in ticket prices suggests that his sporting status does not automatically translate into the same level of commercial pull.
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That conclusion should not be overstated. Ticket prices can be influenced by the session, opponent, timing and secondary-market dynamics, and the Friday afternoon slot is clearly different from an American semifinal under the lights. Still, the fact remains that tickets for a Grand Slam semifinal involving the world No. 2 have fallen by more than 90% from their earlier level.
Zverev will have little reason to concern himself with any of that when he walks onto court. His attention will be on Khachanov, the final and potentially the No. 1 ranking. But the contrast in ticket demand creates an intriguing backdrop to his biggest match of the tournament — and, without Alcaraz or Sinner, perhaps an uncomfortable question for men's tennis about where its star power currently resides.
Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.
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