Khachanov reveals what his game plan will be to try to beat Zverev at the US Open

Karen Khachanov is building a tennis career well above the general assessment he receives from the press and fans. At 30 years old, the Russian is a Masters 1000 champion, a three-time Grand Slam semifinalist, and a former top-10 player, which is quite remarkable and tends to be forgotten due to his constant ups and downs. He has found his best level at the US Open 2026, where he seeks to explore his limits.

All of this was discussed by Karen Khachanov in the press conference of the US Open 2026 after taking advantage of the retirement due to injury of Alexander Blockx midway through the third set, following his good performance in the first two sets where he had managed to prevail over the young Belgian. He was already in the semifinals at Flushing Meadows four years ago in 2022, when he lost to Ruud, and he also reached this round at the Australian Open 2023, succumbing to Tsitsipas.

This time, his opponent will be Alexander Zverev, someone he knows well, having faced him 9 times with a favorable 6-3 record for the German. It will be interesting to see how the 30-year-old Russian tennis player manages the vertigo of the unknown, as he spoke in great detail about his prospects before this duel.

This is what Karen Khachanov said after securing his place in the semifinals of the US Open 2026

Assessment of the victory over Blockx

"Thank you very much. I think you always want to complete the match fully because, in a way, that makes the victory a bit sweeter."

"But at the same time, I believe I was playing at a good level. At the end of the second set, I realized that he was starting to have more and more problems and difficulties, especially physically."

"He is, again, a very nice guy. I had already said that before the match. He is very respectful. I wish him a speedy recovery. I would have liked to finish the match in a good way because he also put in a tremendous effort and was completing a great tournament. This is his best result so far in a Grand Slam. But well, things are as they are."

What it means for Khachanov to return to a Grand Slam semifinal

"As we have already talked about, I think we mentioned it at the beginning of the tournament or perhaps after my first round. In every Grand Slam and on every big stage, you want to do well. This is what we dreamed of as kids: playing the final rounds of these tournaments and thinking that someday that moment could come."

"It has already happened to me a couple of times. That's why I think this is a moment to appreciate what has been achieved, but at the same time, also to have ambition and motivation for what lies ahead."

How he sees Alexander Zverev in this US Open 2026

"Zverev is where he is because he deserves it. He has been among the top five for many years. This year he has also taken a step forward. He has won his first Grand Slam and also played in the Wimbledon final. He is coming in at a really good level of form."

"We have played great matches. I believe he leads our head-to-head 6-3, if I'm not mistaken, and they have been very hard-fought battles. Last year I beat him in Canada, a very important victory after several losses against him. So we will see who wins."

Tactical keys in his duel against Zverev

"Against Zverev, I will definitely have to be at my best. I will need to be patient and keep trying to take control in the center of the court. Basically, play the same way I have been playing because it is giving me results."

"I want to take control in the middle, dictate the play, but without rushing. I have to build the points well and, when I see and feel the opportunity, change the rhythm. Because if we simply maintain a constant pace with good speed, we're going to be playing for a long time. At some point, we have to make the difference."

"And of course, there are serves and returns. That's where it all starts. He has a very powerful first serve and a great return, so I'll also have to be very focused on those aspects."

Khachanov and the power of experience

"I wouldn't say it has changed drastically because, in the end, if you do something well, you have to keep doing it."

"Obviously, some things have changed. I have grown, I am older and more mature. In a way, I have more experience behind me. But it also depends on what we are talking about: preparation before the match, routines, warm-up... Some things have changed a bit. But, overall, I wouldn't say the entire structure has changed."

"My way of seeing things is indeed different: what is really important and what is not, both on and off the court. In the end, all those things are related to your values and the way you approach life in general."

A golden opportunity awaits Karen Khachanov at this US Open 2026, holding onto the hope that the saying "third time's the charm" will prove true. The Russian arrives with much confidence due to his good performance in this tournament and aware of the advantage he has in not being the favorite against a rival who will bear all the pressure, such as Alexander Zverev, whom he has beaten three times.

This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Khachanov revela cuál será su plan de juego para intentar vencer a Zverev en el US Open