Zverev vs. Khachanov: A Reunion After the Olympic Final
For Zverev, the match against Khachanov is a reunion with an old acquaintance. The two previously faced each other in the final of the 2021 Tokyo Olympic Games – back then, the German prevailed and won gold.
Zverev is also entering the match as a title contender. After his first Grand Slam triumph at the French Open in 2026, he could follow it up with the second major title of his career in New York.
Unusual Match Time Could Become a Problem
However, an unusual challenge awaits Zverev: For the first time in this tournament, the German will have to compete in the afternoon at Arthur Ashe Stadium.
Up until now, Zverev has mostly played in the evening or late at night in New York. Now, he will be on court at 3:00 PM local time – in heat and high humidity.
"I don't think that plays into my hands," Zverev said regarding the scheduling.
The world No. 2 could only partially understand why his semifinal, of all matches, received the afternoon slot.
"I find it a bit strange that the people who have had two days off are playing after us," Zverev said. However, he still showed understanding for the decision: "It's just two Americans playing the other semifinal. I can understand that they would play in the evening."
Instead of Zverev vs. Khachanov, the all-American semifinal between Ben Shelton and Frances Tiafoe will take place in the evening session.
Zverev had, by now, become accustomed to the late rhythm anyway. After the spectacular quarterfinal between Shelton and Carlos Alcaraz, which only ended in the early morning hours, the German revealed: "Yesterday, I watched Shelton against Alcaraz until 3:30 AM."
