Updated

Updated · The New York Times · Sep 9

Khachanov Reaches Third Grand Slam Semifinal as Blockx Retires at 3-2 in Third Set

Updated

Updated · The New York Times · Sep 9

Khachanov Reaches Third Grand Slam Semifinal as Blockx Retires at 3-2 in Third Set

Q: Coco Gauff miraculously saved two match points, but can she overcome newly crowned World No. 1 Elena Rybakina in the semifinals?

Yes, but only if she sharpens her level early and keeps the match physical. Gauff’s comeback against Mirra Andreeva showed why she remains one of the toughest players in the sport. Saving two match points, then running away with the third set, underlined her resilience, defense and ability to reset under pressure. She is also back in the U.S. Open semifinals for the first time since her 2023 title run, and the home crowd on Arthur Ashe can be a real factor. The problem is that Elena Rybakina presents a very different challenge. Rybakina’s power, especially on serve and first-strike tennis, can take the racket out of opponents’ hands. She just came through a three-set win over Zheng Qinwen and, with the result, secured the world No. 1 ranking for the first time. That reflects not just form, but sustained elite level. If Rybakina serves well and controls short rallies, she will likely enter as the slight favorite. For Gauff, the path is clear: she must avoid the slow start that cost her the first set against Andreeva, extend rallies, pressure Rybakina’s second serve, and use her speed to force extra balls. Heat and long exchanges could also help her if the semifinal becomes a physical contest rather than a serving showcase. So the upset is absolutely possible, but it is not likely to come through another miracle escape. Gauff can beat Rybakina if she raises her level from the opening game and turns the match into a test of movement, patience and nerve.

Q: With the top four women's seeds making U.S. Open history, which elite player will survive this unprecedented clash of tennis titans?

Elena Rybakina looks like the narrow favorite to survive this historic semifinal field. She arrives with the strongest immediate momentum: a three-set quarterfinal win over Zheng Qinwen and the added lift of clinching the world No. 1 ranking for the first time, a landmark for Kazakhstan. Her power game is especially dangerous on hard courts, and when her first serve is landing, she can take control of rallies quickly and keep even elite defenders under pressure. That said, Coco Gauff has a real path. Her comeback from two match points down against Mirra Andreeva showed the resilience that carried her to the 2023 US Open title, and she is now 6-0 against Andreeva. Gauff’s speed, defense and crowd support in New York make her a formidable threat, even if Rybakina’s cleaner first-strike tennis may give the No. 2 seed a slight edge. In the other semifinal, Aryna Sabalenka and Jessica Pegula are difficult to separate. Sabalenka, the top seed and two-time defending champion, brings proven big-match pedigree at Flushing Meadows. Pegula, however, has been one of the most consistent players of the summer and has recently beaten Sabalenka in Berlin, with their rivalry increasingly tight. If form, ranking trajectory and matchup pressure are weighed together, Rybakina appears best placed to come through this unprecedented clash of the top four seeds. But Sabalenka remains the most proven US Open closer, making her the other strongest candidate to reach — and win — the final.

3 articles · Updated · The New York Times · Sep 9

Karen Khachanov moved into the U.S. Open semifinals after Alexander Blockx retired while trailing 6-2, 7-5, 3-2 in their quarterfinal at Flushing Meadows.
Blockx, the No. 28 seed, was hampered by ankle and thigh injuries, wearing a brace and wrap before ending his breakthrough run immediately after being broken in the third set.
Khachanov held every service game and reached his first Grand Slam semifinal since 2023, with the unseeded Russian now awaiting Alexander Zverev or Botic van de Zandschulp.
In the women's draw, Coco Gauff saved 2 match points to beat Mirra Andreeva and set up a semifinal against Elena Rybakina, who beat Zheng Qinwen and secured the world No. 1 ranking.

Sources

The New York Times14h ago

Khachanov Advances to U.S. Open Semifinals as Blockx Retires Due to Injury

AOL UK3h ago

Unseeded Russian Karen Khachanov advances to US Open semifinals after hobbled No. 28 seed Alexander Blockx retires in third set - AOL

Free Malaysia Today2h ago

Khachanov reaches US Open semi-finals as Blockx retires | FMT

8 Sources

Coco Gauff miraculously saved two match points, but can she overcome newly crowned World No. 1 Elena Rybakina in the semifinals?

With the top four women's seeds making U.S. Open history, which elite player will survive this unprecedented clash of tennis titans?

As extreme heat and injuries abruptly end Alexander Blockx's run, are grueling tournament conditions pushing tennis players past their physical limits?