Zverev is in the US Open final in 2026 and dreams of first place

»After the second round, I was sitting in the locker room with my team around 3 a.m. and we were laughing our heads off about how badly I played. This sense of humor helped me on the training pitch the next day,” said Zverev afterwards on the pitch. "I've obviously improved, otherwise I wouldn't be in the US Open final."

The last hurdle waiting for the Hamburger in the final on Sunday is a local hero, either Ben Shelton or Frances Tiafoe - Zverev has an outstanding track record against both of them, but he will also have to play against the US fans. »It will be something special, everyone here loves them both. Hopefully I can ensure that the American Dream doesn't come true," explained Zverev.

Semi-finals in the spirit of 9/11

25 years to the day after the shocking terrorist attacks on the USA, the semi-finals were marked by 9/11. The date was stamped on the hardcourt at Arthur Ashe Stadium, with spectators crying during the national anthem. Then the court in New York belonged to the protagonists, who have known each other since they were juniors. Khachanov, who only started the tournament as number 50 in the world, is a "hard worker," says Zverev: "We call him the professor, he knows everything about tennis, I have huge respect for him."

But Zverev had also studied the 30-year-old very well. His strong serve, his physique and calmness paved the way for him to his third Grand Slam final in 2026 in front of the eyes of Hollywood stars Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson as well as the Brazilian football idol Ronaldo.

In the fourth match in a row, Zverev remained without losing a set, even though the former top 20 player Chatschanow was on par at times and both showed some rousing rallies in the second round. Boris Becker particularly praised Zverev's physical strength, which paid off in the crucial moments. "It's not for nothing that he is the world champion in training," he explained on Sporteurope.tv.

First place in the world rankings is within reach

Then Zverev can further refine his year, in which he certainly also benefited from the injuries or weak phases of Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz: No player won more matches in 2026, his seemingly endless hunt for a major triumph came to an end at the French Open, and now he can end the year with two Grand Slam victories - Boris Becker was the only German to achieve this in 1989 (Wimbledon, US Open).

In addition, a New York victory would put Zverev within reach of first place in the world rankings. Industry leader Sinner canceled his participation in the US Open due to problems in his right knee.

But first, Zverev needs to successfully shed the burdens of the past once again this year. In 2020, as a 23-year-old, he already had one hand on the silver trophy. After leading 2-0 in sets against Dominic Thiem, Zverev was only two points short of triumph, but he gave up the match against the Austrian in five sets.