Alexander Zverev survives two dramatic tiebreaks to reach US Open final with straight-sets win over Karen Khachanov

Saturday, 12 September 2026 at 00:41

Alexander Zverev booked his place in the US Open final with a hard-fought three-set victory over Karen Khachanov, winning 6-3, 7-6, 7-6 in a semifinal that produced two marathon sets. The German looked in control after taking the opening set, but Khachanov repeatedly pushed him to the limit and had opportunities to extend the contest in both the second and third-set tiebreaks.

The Russian fought back strongly after falling behind early, only for Zverev to produce his best tennis at the crucial moments. The top seed saved two set points in the deciding tiebreak to complete the victory and reach his third consecutive Grand Slam final, continuing an exceptional run at the biggest tournaments.

Zverev establishes control in the opening set

Zverev made the stronger start on Arthur Ashe, with both players initially protecting their serves and keeping the rallies relatively short. Khachanov was particularly effective behind his first delivery, but Zverev gradually began to find more opportunities from the baseline and applied increasing pressure on the Russian's serve.

The breakthrough came at 5-3, when a couple of Khachanov errors left him trailing 0-30. Zverev took advantage of the opening, stepped up his intensity from the baseline and converted his first break point to move within a game of the set. The German then served for it, although he showed some nerves late in the game before Khachanov's error finally handed him the opening set 6-3.

Zverev then carried that momentum directly into the second set, breaking Khachanov in the opening game to move four games in a row ahead. The top seed appeared firmly in control, but Khachanov responded with a much more aggressive approach and immediately began to change the rhythm of the match.

Alexander Zverev of Germany during his second round match on day 5 of the 2026 US Open

Khachanov fights back as second set goes to a tiebreak

Khachanov stopped Zverev's run with a spectacular inverted smash at the net and began to impose himself more consistently in the baseline exchanges. The Russian's backhand became a major weapon, while Zverev's errors started to mount. A double fault from the German eventually allowed Khachanov to break back and level the set at 2-2.

The momentum continued to swing towards Khachanov, who won three consecutive games to move 3-2 ahead and later held under pressure to lead 5-4. Zverev, however, managed to survive another difficult service game at 5-5, including a moment at 15-30 when he had to rely on his second serve. Neither player could create the decisive advantage, sending the set into a tiebreak.

Zverev held his nerve in the tiebreak after Khachanov saved two set points before a forehand error on the third finally ended the marathon second set. The German took it 7-6 after a fiercely contested battle, despite Khachanov appearing to have turned the momentum around for long stretches of the set.

Alexander Zverev can't miss!

The German comes through a 34-shot rally on set point and takes a two-set lead on Khachanov, 6-3, 7-6. pic.twitter.com/zop0mtujIF
— US Open Tennis (@usopen) September 11, 2026

Zverev closes out another marathon set

The third set followed the same pattern as the second, with neither player able to create a decisive opening on return. Zverev remained in front after holding to start the set, but Khachanov immediately responded and continued to protect his serve. The Russian stayed within touching distance throughout, refusing to allow the German to pull away despite the pressure of being two sets down.

As the set entered its final stages, Zverev moved within one game of victory at 5-4, but Khachanov held his nerve to level at 5-5 and keep the semifinal alive. Zverev then held to move 6-5 ahead and put the pressure back on the Russian, who again responded with a composed hold to force another tiebreak.

Khachanov came close to extending the match in the deciding breaker, earning two set points, including one on Zverev's serve. However, the German held firm under enormous pressure and saved both opportunities before eventually closing out the tiebreak and the match. Zverev completed a 6-3, 7-6, 7-6 victory to reach his third consecutive Grand Slam final, continuing the finest stretch of his career.

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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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