Alexander Zverev took another big step towards a second Grand Slam title by beating Dutchman Botic van de Zandschulp 6-2 7-5 6-1 to reach the U.S. Open semi-finals, where the German will take on Karen Khachanov.
The 29-year-old French Open champion got off to a slow start in his campaign at Flushing Meadows but has steadily found his range.
“I think you saw in the first two rounds, I really didn’t play well,” Zverev said.
“In other tournaments I would be out in the first round, but here I can fight back and play best of five sets, play 4-1/2 hours. I’ve started playing better throughout the tournament and I’m definitely happy to be in the semi-finals here.”
The German has reached the semi-finals at all four majors this year and is the only Grand Slam winner left standing in the men’s draw.
“I don’t take it for granted at all,” Zverev said.
“I know it can change in a heartbeat in tennis. I think confidence is something that is incredibly important but also can go away quite quickly.”
Zverev was far from steady on serve early on at Arthur Ashe Stadium, coughing up five double faults in an erratic start, but van de Zandschulp leaked forehand errors to allow the top seed to break in the fifth game and then take the first set.
