Key Takeaways
- Karen Khachanov secured his spot in the US Open semifinals after Alexander Blockx was forced to retire trailing 6-2, 7-5, 3-2.
- Khachanov expressed sympathy for his opponent, noting that “I noticed that he had some more and more issues and difficulties, let’s say, physically” and wishing him a speedy recovery.
- Looking forward to the final four, Khachanov described reaching the late stages as “a little bit moment of appreciation and at the same time um ambition and motivation for what’s coming next.”
Khachanov reaches last four after Blockx retirement
Karen Khachanov advanced to the semifinals of the 2026 US Open after Alexander Blockx had to retire during their quarterfinal meeting in New York. Khachanov had established control across the opening two sets and led 6-2, 7-5, 3-2 before physical difficulties brought an abrupt conclusion to the contest.
Addressing the media following the result, Khachanov acknowledged mixed feelings about advancing via an opponent’s stoppage. “I think you always want to finish the match fully, let’s say, in a way to take uh to have a little bit more sweet of the victory, let’s say, but at the same time um I think I played um good level,” Khachanov explained.
The Belgian underdog had mounted an impressive run in Flushing Meadows, but his physical condition deteriorated as the match progressed. “I think at the end of second set I noticed that he had some more and more issues and difficulties, let’s say, physically,” Khachanov said. “He’s again super nice guy. Uh I mentioned that before the match. Uh very respectful. And um I wish him really a speedy recovery. I would have liked to finish it in a good way because he also did a tremendous effort, great tournament. Um best result so far in a Grand Slam. So, you know, it is what it is.”
Deep tournament runs and evolving perspective
For Khachanov, returning to the business end of a major championship represents the fulfillment of long-held ambitions, backed by hard-earned experience on the tour. Reflecting on the milestone, he noted the dual feelings that come with another major semifinal.
“Every um Grand Slam, every big stage you want to do well,” Khachanov said. “This is what, you know, we’ve been dreaming of um as a kid, you know, to play to play on the further stages of of this event that one day it can come. You know, it came already a couple of times. Um that’s why I think it’s a little bit moment of appreciation and at the same time um ambition and motivation for what’s coming next.”
Now a veteran campaigner on the circuit, Khachanov explained how his outlook on professional tennis has matured over time, even as his core daily routines remain steady.
“I wouldn’t say changed dramatically because at the end of the day, if you do something well, you have to continue doing that,” he stated. “So, some things obviously changed. I mean, I grew up. I’m, let’s say, older. I’m more mature in a way, have a little bit experience behind my back.”
He expanded further on how his perspective on results has shifted: “The approach of taking the the wins and taking losses, you know, I think this also changed a lot uh in my in my career um in general, the way I see the things. Also, you know, what is let’s say more important, what is not important, you know, outside the court, inside the court. At the end of the day the things they get connected also on your values and on you know, how you approach the life in general.”
Assessing potential semifinal tests
With Alexander Zverev and Botic van de Zandschulp battling in the other quarterfinal on court, Khachanov weighed up the tactical requirements for either prospective matchup. Assessing Zverev, Khachanov highlighted the German’s recent form and their longstanding rivalry.
“He is where he is because I mean, he deserves to be there. He’s been in top five, you know, for so many years,” Khachanov said of Zverev. “This year he did also step forward, you know, he won his first Grand Slam, uh played the final in Wimbledon as well. I mean, he’s coming up really in a hot form.”
Looking at the tactical blueprint necessary against Zverev, Khachanov stressed composure: “With Zverev, definitely I will have to come up with the best form. I will have to you know, have patience. Um still take the lead in the middle, playing basically same same way that I was playing, you know, which which is paying off. Um, to take control in the middle, to do to dictate, but not to rush.”
Evaluating Van de Zandschulp, Khachanov offered equal caution regarding the Dutchman’s varied arsenal. “Whenever he plays the way he plays this tournament, uh it’s a extremely dangerous guy,” Khachanov remarked. “He proves that that he can beat the great players… His main thing is his weapons, I would say, is aggressive game.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pCaC3qgFkX8
ATP U.S. Open - Karen Khachanov's projected path
Khachanov at the U.S. Open, ranking, and results in 2026
Ranked no.50, Karen owns a composed 22-18 match record in 2026. The Russian is currently playing at the U.S. Open where he overcame the world no.59 Roman Andres Burruchaga 6-3 6-0 6-1, the world no.4 Felix Auger-Aliassime 6-7(5) 6-3 6-2 6-2, the world no.97 Benjamin Bonzi 6-3 6-2 6-4, the world no.15 Learner Tien 7-5 4-6 6-7(6) 6-1 6-4 and the world no.34 Alexander Blockx 6-2 7-5 3-2.
Karen Khachanov will square off with the world no.2 Alexander Zverev in the semifinal. The head to head is 6-3 for Zverev.
Karen won 7 titles in his career: 3 on hard courts and 4 on indoor courts. (See the list of his titles)
