Zverev does not trust Khachanov or himself: "Confidence can disappear very quickly"

Alexander Zverev is taking full advantage of the enormous power vacuum that has occurred in his section of the draw at the US Open 2026. Already in the semifinals after defeating Botic Van de Zandschulp by 6-2 7-5 6-1, the German warns of the danger that Karen Khachanov poses for him, talks about his experience in final rounds, and shares his opinion on Shelton's win over Alcaraz.

A thorough and mature press conference is what Alexander Zverev offered after securing a comfortable victory over Botic Van de Zandschulp, which propels him into the semifinals of the US Open 2026. Seizing the opportunities that arise is a virtue not easily attained, and the German is doing it perfectly. 

He knows he is the player with the most experience in Grand Slam final rounds among those remaining and that he is facing a golden opportunity to make a mark in world tennis by winning two titles of this magnitude in the same year. Will he be able to impose his favoritism?

This is what Alexander Zverev said after reaching the semifinals of the US Open 2026

Importance of his experience in Grand Slam final rounds

"I think the player who wins here will simply be the one who plays better tennis. Sometimes it's as simple as that."

"Yes, there are nerves and many things that go through your mind when you try to win your first Grand Slam. I've been there. Trust me, I've had all the thoughts one can have in a situation like that."

"But I think, in the end, good tennis prevails. We'll see who manages it on Friday and then again on Sunday."

Confidence from reaching the semifinals in all Grand Slams of 2026

"I think the more times you reach these rounds, the more normal it becomes for you, although it's something you should never take for granted. I think it's a very special feeling when something like this starts to become a norm."

"I absolutely don't take it for granted. I know that in tennis, everything can change in a matter of seconds. Confidence is incredibly important, but it can also disappear very quickly. I found that out after Wimbledon when I didn't play well in the two hard-court tournaments I participated in, and here I've regained that confidence."

"Of course, I'm happy with how things are going, but looking ahead, I still hope to play two good matches here."

Respect and admiration for Karen Khachanov, his semifinal rival at the US Open

"There are people you may not see working from the outside, but I think Karen is someone who puts in a lot of effort. He spends more time on the practice courts than most players.

"He is always looking for solutions, trying to find new ways to improve. Plus, he has a great coach whom I've known since we were juniors. Karen has been working with him since then. I really respect that, that two people stay together for such a long time and go through such a long journey."

"In fact, we call him 'The Professor' because he knows everything about tennis. He knows every tension of the strings, he understands what each player does... It's quite amusing."

"But yes, Karen is a great guy. I've known him for many years since we grew up playing together in junior tournaments. I have a lot of respect for him, and I hope we have a great battle on Friday."

Tactical keys needed against Khachanov

"I think the player who dominates the exchanges from the back of the court and is more aggressive will probably have more chances of winning. Our styles are quite similar in a sense because we are both tall players trying to dominate from the back. So I believe the one who does that better will win."

Opinion on Shelton's victory over Alcaraz

"Ben played extremely well from the back of the court. He was very solid and stable from there. It was spectacular to watch him. Of course, he also served well, but that's normal for him. I think his baseline tennis was incredibly good."

"In Alcaraz's case, it might have been noticeable that he was a bit out of rhythm. It had been a while since he faced a top-level player, and he may have missed a few more forehands than he usually does. But all credit goes to Ben. He played amazingly."

Alexander Zverev does not shy away from the role of favorite he currently holds in the battle for the title at the US Open 2026, but he tones down the excitement, being aware of the volatility of tennis and how dangerous it is to take anything for granted in tournaments like this. His next opponent, Karen Khachanov, will make things challenging for him.

This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Zverev no se fía de Khachanov ni de sí mismo: "La confianza puede desaparecer muy rápido"