The men's singles draw at the U.S. Open has presented an unexpected semifinal matchup between Alexander Zverev and Karen Khachanov. While Zverev was a projected favorite to advance, his journey to this stage has been aided by several early exits from seeded players in his half of the bracket. Khachanov, though unseeded in this tournament, enters the semifinal as a formidable opponent known for his resilient style.
Zverev's path to the semifinal included navigating five-set matches against Lorenzo Sonego and Quentin Halys in the early rounds. While he has since secured more dominant victories, those opponents were not considered top-tier competition. His quarterfinal opponent, World No. 70 Botic van de Zandschulp, appeared fatigued during their match.
Khachanov, meanwhile, is making his second semifinal appearance at the U.S. Open. Despite not being a top seed, he has previously been ranked as high as No. 13 and has been a consistent threat in Grand Slam tournaments, particularly in best-of-five set matches. His game is characterized by relentless play that forces opponents to earn every point, a style that can wear down opponents even if he lacks the raw power of some elite players.
Khachanov is expected to be well-rested for the semifinal. He advanced after his quarterfinal opponent, Alexander Blockx, retired mid-match. This unexpected advantage in rest could prove significant in the demanding best-of-five format against Zverev, who has a history of inconsistent performances in high-stakes matches.
Zverev secured his maiden Grand Slam title at Roland Garros, but his record in the later stages of major tournaments remains a point of concern. His performance throughout the current tournament has also shown moments of struggle, requiring extended play in his initial matches. This semifinal presents a critical test for the German as he aims to continue his strong season against a persistent opponent.
The match is scheduled for Friday. Analysts suggest that Khachanov's moneyline, priced at +390, presents a potentially valuable bet given his consistent play and Zverev's occasional struggles under pressure.