Alexander Zverev Has a Highway to the US Open Semifinal

September 6, 2026 - 03:21

The draw has opened up in a big way for Alexander Zverev at this year's US Open. The German, who has been searching for his first Grand Slam title, now finds himself staring at a very clear path to the final four in New York. His projected fourth-round matchup against Lorenzo Musetti never materialized. The 13th seed from Italy, who actually led their head-to-head series 3-2, was bounced in the early rounds by Australian qualifier Dane Sweeny. That eliminated a genuine threat before Zverev even had to pick up his racquet.

Even better for the world number two, Alex de Minaur, the sixth seed and a player known for his relentless energy and ability to frustrate opponents, also crashed out early. De Minaur's style has given Zverev trouble in the past, and his absence removes another major obstacle from the top half of the draw. With those two names gone, the remaining players in Zverev's section are mostly unseeded or young players still finding their footing on the big stage.

Zverev has looked sharp in his opening matches, serving well and moving with confidence. He has yet to drop a set. While he has been criticized in the past for letting leads slip, this kind of favorable draw offers a golden opportunity. If he keeps his focus, the semifinal is his to lose. The pressure is on, but the highway is wide open.