Khachanov, Gauff, Rybakina secure semifinal spots at U.S. Open
Karen Khachanov advanced when Alexander Blockx retired in the third set of their quarterfinal. Coco Gauff saved two match points to defeat Mirra Andreeva, while Elena Rybakina beat Zheng Qinwen to claim the world No. 1 ranking. The men's quarterfinal between Alexander Zverev and Botic van de Zandschulp was still to be played.
Khachanov progressed when Alexander Blockx retired in the third set after losing the opening two frames. This marks his first Grand Slam semifinal since the 2023 Australian Open, following a similar run at the 2022 U.S. Open.
Gauff rallied from a deficit to save two match points against Andreeva. She will face Rybakina, who defeated Zheng Qinwen in three sets to claim the world No. 1 ranking. The winner of the Zverev-van de Zandschulp match awaits Khachanov.
The outcomes of these quarterfinals could reshape the competitive landscape of women's tennis, as Rybakina's rise to No. 1 may shift the narrative around the tour's top contenders. Gauff's resilience under pressure could inspire broader interest in the sport, drawing casual viewers to the semifinals. For men's tennis, Khachanov's deep run may highlight the depth of the field, potentially affecting how fans perceive the dominance of the top seeds.