Zverev confidently reaches the semi-finals of the US Open

Alexander Zverev passed the next compulsory task at the US Open with flying colors and easily made it to the semi-finals. The Hamburg resident defeated Dutch outsider Botic van de Zandschulp 6:2, 7:5, 6:1. This means he would only need two wins for his first triumph in New York.

Against the tennis world number 70. Zverev only came under pressure in the second round and fended off a set point. For the French Open winner it was the 23rd victory this season at a Grand Slam tournament - overtaking the previous German record set by Boris Becker (22).

Also favorite against Khachanow in the semi-finals

Zverev only needed 2:17 hours for his third safe three-set win in a row. The number one seed is in the semifinals of the US Open for the third time after 2020 and 2021. He also goes into the duel with his next opponent Karen Khachanow as a big favorite. On the way to Olympic gold in 2021 in Tokyo, Zverev beat the Russian in the final.

The 29-year-old German can hope for the culmination of an outstanding year: For the first time in his career, he has reached at least the semi-finals in all four Grand Slam tournaments. “He is where he is because he deserves it,” said his next opponent Khachanov. “This year he has improved again. He won his first Grand Slam and also reached the Wimbledon final. He's really in great shape."

Lots of mistakes from van de Zandschulp

Zverev's clear and consistent performance was enough against van de Zandschulp. The strong server scored a lot of points at the net, and especially in long rallies he could usually rely on his opponent's mistakes.

During the tournament, both had already been on the pitch for almost 14.5 hours - but the strain was particularly noticeable on the outsider. Van de Zandschulp had continued to fight in five-set thrillers in the previous two rounds and seemed a bit lethargic at the beginning.

But Zverev didn't deliver a gala performance at the beginning either, allowing himself three double faults in his first two service games alone. But van de Zandschulp didn't punish this - he instead allowed Zverev the first break to make it 2:3 with four slight errors.

Referee admonishes murmuring spectators

Symbolic of the meager level of the first set: In the largest tennis stadium in the world, where Ben Shelton and Carlos Alcaraz had put on a first-class show the night before, referee James Keothavong repeatedly warned the murmuring spectators to calm down. After 37 minutes, Zverev won the first set.

The Hamburger caused a smile at the break. Zverev appeared to complain to the British referee that he was missing a bat. After a while he found it in his own pocket - they both had to laugh.

Zverev fends off the set ball

Two years ago, van de Zandschulp surprisingly beat the Spaniard Carlos Alcaraz in the night session at the Arthur Ashe Stadium at the US Open. The Dutchman slowly worked his way into the match against Zverev. At 2:3, Zverev faced the first break point, but van de Zandschulp made a mistake on the 34th shot in a long rally. The outsider also carelessly missed a set point. Instead, Zverev got the break and took the set lead 2-0.

Van de Zandschulp's resistance was finally broken. Zverev brought home the victory flawlessly.