Key Takeaways
- Tickets for the US Open semifinal between Alexander Zverev and Karen Khachanov fell from over $300 to around $22.
- The German entered the tournament as the top seed and world No. 2 after winning Roland Garros earlier this year.
- Scheduling placed the match in the day session, while an all-American semifinal between Ben Shelton and Frances Tiafoe took the night slot.
Dramatic price drop hits New York day session
As reported by Ben Rothenberg, ticket prices for Alexander Zverev’s US Open semifinal have suffered an extraordinary decline following the confirmation of his clash against Karen Khachanov. Seats at Flushing Meadows that were previously trading for upwards of $300 have tumbled to less than $30, with some entry passes changing hands for approximately $22.
The sharp drop allows spectators to watch the tournament’s top seed battle for a Grand Slam final berth at a fraction of the cost required only days prior. This steep slide represents a decrease of more than 90% from earlier market highs, creating an unexpected market reality for the latter stages of a major championship.
Comparison table
| Country | Player | Total |
|---|---|---|
| US | Open 2026 live: What time do ATP or WTA semi-finals start and how can you watch in the UK, US and AustraliaSep 11, | 17:24 |
| US | Open WTA 2026: Results, Preview, Draw, Entry List, History and PredictionsSep 11, | 16:14 |
| US | Open ATP and WTA Prize Money Explained: How much can Aryna Sabalenka, Alexander Zverev earn for Flushing Meadows glory?Sep 10, | 14:45 |
| US | Open ATP 2026: Results, Preview, Draw, Entry List, History and PredictionsSep 10, | 14:43 |
| US | Open 2026 live: What time do ATP or WTA semi-finals start and how can you watch in the UK, US and AustraliaSep 11, | 17:24 |
| US | Open WTA 2026: Results, Preview, Draw, Entry List, History and PredictionsSep 11, | 16:14 |
| US | Open WTA Semi-Finals | Elena Rybakina into showdown with Aryna Sabalenka after comeback Coco Gauff clinicSep 11, | 05:15 |
| US | Open WTA Semi-Finals | Aryna Sabalenka surges towards three-peat in New York after straight sets win over Jessica PegulaSep 11, | 02:40 |
Stakes high for top seed in Flushing Meadows
The sluggish demand stands in stark contrast to what is on the line for Zverev. The German entered New York as the top seed and world No. 2, riding the momentum of his breakthrough maiden Grand Slam triumph at Roland Garros earlier in the year. He reached his fourth major semifinal of the season by dominating Botic van de Zandschulp in a 6-2, 7-5, 6-1 victory.
Khachanov, a former world No. 8 and Olympic silver medallist, earned his spot in the last four when opponent Alexander Blockx retired. While the Russian is aiming for his first career major final, Zverev is positioned to close in on the world No. 1 ranking with another win, capitalising on the tournament absence of Jannik Sinner.
Session scheduling and modern star power
A significant factor influencing the market divide is scheduling. The encounter between Zverev and Khachanov has been placed in the Friday day session, leaving the evening slot to an all-American battle between Ben Shelton and Frances Tiafoe. That domestic rivalry under the lights at Arthur Ashe Stadium carries obvious appeal for the home crowd.
Yet the disparity also highlights a broader narrative across the ATP Tour. With both Carlos Alcaraz and Sinner out of the second week in New York, the draw opened up for established contenders to take center stage. Although Zverev possesses the form, ranking, and major hardware, the plunging ticket values indicate that on-court success does not automatically generate equivalent commercial interest.
Now under $30 to see #1 seeded Zverev in a Grand Slam semifinal today.
And some prices are as low as $22, which is cheaper than one Honey Deuce. https://t.co/VcybPyKaO0 pic.twitter.com/FcvOAtxR9J
— Ben Rothenberg (@BenRothenberg) September 11, 2026
ATP U.S. Open - Alexander Zverev's projected path
Zverev at the U.S. Open, ranking, and results in 2026
Now the world no.2 (career-high), Alexander achieved an overall 51-13 match record in 2026. Zverev is now having a run at the U.S. Open where he conquered the world no.89 Lorenzo Sonego 6-4 3-6 6-7(7) 7-5 6-4, the world no.52 Quentin Halys 6-4 4-6 7-6(3) 6-7(3) 6-3, the world no.28 Alejandro Tabilo 6-2 7-6(2) 6-2, the world no.22 Luciano Darderi 6-2 6-2 7-6(3) and the world no.70 Botic Van De Zandschulp 6-2 7-5 6-1.
Alexander Zverev will square off with the world no.50 Karen Khachanov in the semifinal on Friday at 3:00 pm on Arthur Ashe Stadium. Their actual record is 6-3 for Zverev.
Alexander conquered 1 title in 2026 at the French Open.
Zverev won 26 titles in his career: 8 on hard courts, 10 on clay courts and 8 on indoor courts. (See the list of his titles)
