Khachanov back to US Open semi-finals as Blockx retires

09 Sep 2026, 23:14 · CNA · Join

Tennis - U.S. Open - Flushing Meadows, New York, United States - September 9, 2026 Russia's Karen Khachanov acknowledges to fans after winning his quarter final match after Belgium's Alexander Blockx retires injured REUTERS/Mike Segar

Tennis - U.S. Open - Flushing Meadows, New York, United States - September 9, 2026 Russia's Karen Khachanov celebrates after winning his quarter-final match after Belgium's Alexander Blockx retired injured IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters/Geoff Burke

Tennis - U.S. Open - Flushing Meadows, New York, United States - September 9, 2026 Russia's Karen Khachanov shakes hands with Belgium's Alexander Blockx after Blockx retires from their quarter-final match due to injury IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters/Geoff Burke

Tennis - U.S. Open - Flushing Meadows, New York, United States - September 9, 2026 Belgium's Alexander Blockx in action during his quarter final match against Russia's Karen Khachanov REUTERS/Jeenah Moon

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(Corrects headline to show it was a retirement, not a walkover)

By Janina Nuno Rios

NEW YORK, Sept 9 : Karen Khachanov reached the U.S. Open semi-finals on Wednesday when Alexander Blockx retired trailing 6-2 7-5 3-2, as the Russian reached the final-four stage in Flushing Meadows for the first time since 2022.

Blockx, who became the first Belgian man to reach the U.S. Open quarter-finals, was already carrying a rib injury into the match and was visibly hampered by further physical issues. He wore a brace on his right ankle and had his thigh wrapped, with the 21-year-old also calling for the trainer during the contest.

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The 28th-seeded Blockx battled on despite his discomfort but was unable to match Khachanov as the 30-year-old continued his resurgence in New York, before eventually calling it a day after one hour and 38 minutes.

"I was preparing really well for that match up, it's not easy because I feel I was dominating then I felt he was struggling more and more," Khachanov said on court.

"He was suffering, but I wanted to keep the energy there. I wish him a speedy recovery but I'm super happy I'm in the semis."

World number 50 Khachanov will return to a Grand Slam semi-final for the first time since reaching the last four at the Australian Open in 2023.

The former world number eight, who had not played a major with a ranking this low since 2017, had already knocked out third seed Felix Auger-Aliassime and 14th seed Learner Tien on his way to the last eight.

He will face either top seed Alexander Zverev or Dutchman Botic van de Zandschulp in the semi-finals.

Khachanov back to US Open semi-finals as Blockx retires

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