While neither of the men’s U.S. Open semifinal matches will be mismatched, the ratio of attention will be wildly lopsided. First, let’s toast the two men in the top half of the draw: reliable veterans, 29 and 30, respectively, who have had very different years, but are both worthy of their spots. Alexander Zverev is not only a top seed, but has already won a major this year at Roland Garros. In New York, he got on the late train in terms of scheduling and has played only night (that is, early morning) matches. And his performances have ranged from superior to good enough.
Now, here he stands, six sets away from a second major title. His opponent is no stranger to this round; Russia’s Karen Khachanov has been ranked as high as No. 8. This year, however, has been rough sledding, as he entered the U.S. Open with a No. 50 ranking and a losing record. However, he’s come alive at the year’s fourth major. His five-setter against Learner Tien in the fourth round stands as one of the matches of the tournament. And now he returns to the semifinals to face a familiar opponent. Zverev leads their head-to-head 6–3, though two of Khachanov’s wins not only came on hard courts, but on North American soil. He will try to dictate forehand-to-forehand rallies and pick on Zverev’s second serve. Easier said than done.
