Alexander Zverev vs Karen Khachanov Preview & Tips - Zverev tipped for US Open semi-final win

By Ben Darvill

11 Sep 2026

Ben Darvill 11 Sep 2026

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Zverev has won four of his previous six hard court matches against Khachanov (L2)
Khachanov has lost 18 of his 39 matches this season (W21)
Preview, stats & head to head

Alexander Zverev (Getty Images)

Alexander Zverev vs Karen Khachanov Preview & Tips
Head To Head
Alexander Zverev Form
Karen Khachanov Form

Alexander Zverev vs Karen Khachanov Preview & Tips

Alexander Zverev easily beat Botic Van De Zandschulp in the US Open quarter finals as he cruised to a 6-2 7-5 6-1 victory.

Karen Khachanov benefitted from Alexander Blockx retiring in their clash with the former 6-2 7-5 3-2 up.

Zverev has won 22 of his 29 on hard courts this season (L7)

Head To Head

The players have met nine times before, with Zverev securing six wins and Khachanov winning the other three.

Alexander Zverev Form

Alexander Zverev has traded winning in five sets in the first two rounds for winning in straight sets in the next three as he seems to have found his groove at the US Open.

A 6-2 7-6 6-2 win over Alejandro Tabilo was quickly followed by a 6-2 6-2 7-6 win over Luciano Darderi in the fourth round. Perhaps Zverev's simplest win came in the quarter finals as he eliminated Botic Van De Zandschulp 6-2 7-5 6-1. While the second set was tighter, this papered over the disparity between the pair as Zverev cruised to a win.

In 2026, Zverev has impressed, winning 51 of his 64 outings. With Jannik Sinner, Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic all missing from the final four for one reason or another, Zverev will see this as a huge opportunity to notch only his second career Slam. I back the 29-year-old to cruise to a win as he beats Khachanov in straight sets.

Karen Khachanov Form

Karen Khachanov has been very impressive at the 2026 US Open, although it could likely be levelled at him that he has not played anyone of real quality yet.

His last outing ended in an energy-conserving 6-2 7-5 3-2 win over Alexander Blockx as the latter was forced to retire. This shortened victory gave Khachanov more time to recover which will be key heading into his biggest clash of the season.

While anything could happen in a semi-final, Khachanov is really up against it. 18 defeats in 21 matches in 2026 is a poor return, while he has lost nine of his 20 on hard courts. While Khachanov will be dreaming of a place in the US Open final, I do not back him to get anywhere near a superior opponent.

Verdict

Alexander Zverev v Karen Khachanov

I am backing Zverev to cruise into the US Open final as he showcases his ability on the court.

Zverev 3-0

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