US Open Quarter-Finals Round-Up | Alexander Zverev pulls away from Van de Zandschulp to reach semis
ATP
Alexander Zverev continued his impressive run at the US Open with a commanding straight-sets victory over Botic van de Zandschulp, winning 6-2, 7-5, 6-1 on Arthur Ashe Stadium. The German controlled the match from the baseline and produced another efficient performance to reach the semi-finals in New York for the third time in his career.
Van de Zandschulp had arrived in the quarter-finals after an impressive run that included victories over Alex de Minaur and Arthur Gea, but he was unable to maintain the level required to trouble the No. 1 seed. Zverev weathered the closest stages of the second set before pulling away completely in the third, dropping just one game to close out the victory.
Zverev takes control from the start
Zverev immediately looked to dictate with his serve and groundstrokes, forcing Van de Zandschulp deep behind the baseline and making the Dutchman work for every opportunity. After the opening games remained relatively even, the German found the first breakthrough and quickly turned it into a significant advantage.
Van de Zandschulp struggled to deal with the weight and consistency of Zverev's baseline game. The German kept finding the court with his first-strike tennis while also limiting the number of free points available to his opponent. Once ahead, Zverev did not allow the Dutchman back into the set and closed it out 6-2.
Zverev wins.
The second set was a different contest. Van de Zandschulp raised his level and managed to stay with Zverev through the middle stages, keeping his serve protected and preventing the top seed from establishing another early lead.
Zverev remained patient, however, and continued to wait for his opportunity. The decisive passage arrived late in the set. After saving a break point on his own serve, the German immediately put pressure on Van de Zandschulp and earned the break to move ahead 6-5.
He then served out the set to take a two-set lead, putting himself one set away from another Grand Slam semi-final.
Zverev finishes emphatically
The second-set breakthrough proved to be the turning point. Zverev came out aggressively in the third and quickly opened up a commanding lead, while Van de Zandschulp was unable to reproduce the consistency that had kept the previous set competitive.
The No. 1 seed continued to dictate from the baseline and repeatedly forced Van de Zandschulp into defensive positions. As the Dutchman's resistance faded, Zverev took advantage, moving further ahead and leaving his opponent with no realistic route back into the match.
Zverev eventually closed out the third set 6-1 to complete the 6-2, 7-5, 6-1 victory. The German's ability to finish the match without being dragged into another long battle will also be significant given the workload he has already carried in New York.
Alexander Zverev is advancing to another round 🔥
— ESPN (@espn) September 10, 2026
He has spent 16 hours and 40 minutes on court, the most by any man en route to the semifinals at the US Open since 1991 🤯 pic.twitter.com/GCYtliXF3i
The victory takes Zverev into his first US Open semi-final since 2020, when he famously reached the final before losing to Dominic Thiem after leading by two sets. It is another important step in what has already been an outstanding Grand Slam season for the German, who has now reached at least the semi-finals at all four majors in 2026.
Zverev will next face Karen Khachanov, who advanced after Alexander Blockx retired during their quarter-final. The Russian will provide another test, but Zverev now sits just one victory away from returning to the US Open final for the first time in six years.
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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