Zverev defeats Van de Zandschulp in straight sets to enter US Open semis

Alexander Zverev has taken a significant step towards a second Grand Slam title by defeating Botic van de Zandschulp in straight sets to reach the US Open semifinals. The German, who has won 23 Grand Slam matches this year, is now set to face Russian Karen Khachanov in the semifinals. Zverev, who has reached the semifinals at all four majors this year, is the only Grand Slam winner left standing in the men's draw. He has achieved this feat despite a slow start in his campaign at Flushing Meadows, where he was struggling to find his range. However, Zverev has steadily improved throughout the tournament, and his confidence has grown as a result. The German attributes his success to his ability to fight back and play best-of-five sets, despite early setbacks. With this win, Zverev has surpassed Boris Becker's German men's record of 22 Grand Slam wins from 1989. In the semifinals, Zverev will take on Khachanov, with whom he has a prior record in the gold medal showdown at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021. Zverev's victory has also marked an important milestone in his career, as he has reached the semifinals at all four majors for the first time this year.