Top seed Alexander Zverev has expressed dissatisfaction with the US Open semifinal schedule, stating it puts him at a disadvantage. "I find it a bit strange that those who had two days off are playing after us", Zverev said on 10/9, after learning the semifinal schedule. "In my 12 years as a professional, I have never encountered such a situation".
The Zverev - Khachanov match is scheduled for 3 PM on 11/9, New York time (2 AM on 12/9, Hanoi time). The other semifinal, featuring American players Shelton and Tiafoe, will take place at 7 PM on the same day (6 AM on 12/9, Hanoi time).
This arrangement has displeased Zverev because Shelton and Tiafoe both completed their quarterfinals on 8/9. Shelton spent 4 hours 28 minutes defeating defending champion Carlos Alcaraz, while Tiafoe took 4 hours 39 minutes to come back and win against Alex Michelsen.
In contrast, Zverev and Khachanov both played their quarterfinals on 9/9, giving them one less day of recovery than their opponents in the other semifinal. "That certainly doesn't benefit me", Zverev said of the 3 PM match slot.
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Zverev returns the ball during his win against Botic van de Zandschulp in the US Open quarterfinals, at Arthur Ashe Stadium, Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, Flushing Meadows, New York, US on 9/9/2026. Photo: AP
The early match time also forces the top seed to change his routine. All five of Zverev's matches since the start of the tournament have been played in the evening. The German player has grown accustomed to training, eating, and preparing for late matches in New York.
The semifinal will be the first time Zverev has to play during the day at this year's US Open. Conditions on Arthur Ashe Stadium in the afternoon are also typically hotter than during the evening session. Despite his concerns, the 29-year-old player acknowledged that the organizers' decision likely stems from the appeal of the Shelton - Tiafoe match. "With two American players in the semifinals, I can understand why they want those two to play in the evening", Zverev said.
The Shelton - Tiafoe match is an all-American semifinal, guaranteeing a home player in the final. American men's tennis has not had a Grand Slam champion since Andy Roddick at the US Open 2003. The match also carries historical significance, as the winner will become the first African-American male player to reach a Grand Slam final since MaliVai Washington at Wimbledon 1996.
Zverev advanced to the semifinals after defeating Botic van de Zandschulp 6-2, 7-5, 6-1. This marks his 13th Grand Slam semifinal appearance and his fourth in 2026. The Roland Garros champion also became the German male player with the most Grand Slam match wins in a single season, with 23 victories, surpassing Boris Becker's record of 22 matches in 1989.
Zverev's opponent is Khachanov, who progressed when Alexander Blockx retired in the quarterfinals. Zverev currently leads the Russian opponent 6-3 in their head-to-head record, including a victory in the 2021 Tokyo Olympics final.
The early match schedule could turn into an advantage if Zverev reaches the final. The men's singles championship match on 13/9 is set for 2 PM (New York time), so the semifinal against Khachanov offers him an opportunity to acclimatize to daytime playing conditions.
Vy Anh
