Zverev and Shelton book US Open finals after hard‑fought semi‑finals

Alexander Zverev survived a determined challenge from Russia’s Karen Khachanov to claim a 6‑3, 7‑6 (9‑7), 7‑6 (8‑6) victory on the centre court of Arthur Ashe Stadium. In the other semi‑final, eighth‑seeded Ben Shelton outlasted compatriot Frances Tiafoe 4‑6, 6‑3, 6‑3, 7‑5, earning the chance to become the first American man to win a Grand Slam since Andy Roddick in 2003.

Shelton, who knocked out defending champion Carlos Alcaraz in the quarter‑finals, said on court, "My dad, my mom have sacrificed a lot for me to be in this position today. My dad lost his mom earlier this year, and she's the reason that he was able to play tennis. Without her, there's no Ben Shelton standing here today. This one is for her. I'm gonna need you guys on Sunday to bring the energy. I'm going for it. I'm gonna leave it all on the court."

Zverev, the tournament’s top seed, described his win as "Straight‑set win, but anything but straightforward," adding that Khachanov fought “incredibly well”. The German held his nerve in two tiebreaks, fending off set points with a mix of powerful serves and precise groundstrokes. Khachanov, who lost to Zverev in the 2021 Olympic final, pushed the German to the limit, especially in the second set where he saved two set points with a forehand winner.

"Straight‑set win, but anything but straightforward," Zverev said.

Zverev’s road to the final

After two five‑set battles early in the tournament, Zverev has tightened his game, delivering a blend of power and consistency that saw him lift the French Open trophy and reach the Wimbledon final last year. His next opponent will be a seasoned Grand Slam contender, and a win would give him a third major title.

Shelton’s American dream

The all‑American semi‑final was a star‑studded affair, with legends such as Serena Williams, Stan Smith and Lindsey Davenport in the stands, alongside actors Ben Stiller and Rami Malek and New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson. Shelton’s composure in the fourth set, after a tense back‑and‑forth with Tiafoe, highlighted his mental toughness. A win on Sunday would end a 23‑year wait for an American male champion.

The day’s ceremony also marked the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks. Shelton paused to pay tribute, saying, "My thought and prayers go out to all the families affected by 9/11."

On the women’s side, Elena Rybakina of Kazakhstan will face Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus in Saturday’s final, adding another headline match to the tournament.

Both Zverev and Shelton now turn their focus to the final, where a win would not only deliver a coveted Grand Slam title but also shape the narrative of men’s tennis for the coming season.