Karen Khachanov advanced to the US Open semi-finals after Belgian challenger Alexander Blockx retired due to injury during their quarter-final match in New York. The 50th-ranked Russian was leading in the third set when Blockx was forced to stop play.
The match ended in the third set with the score tied at 2-2, after Blockx lost his serve on advantage. The 21-year-old Belgian immediately walked to the net to shake hands with the chair umpire and his opponent, unable to continue the contest.
Khachanov took control early in the encounter, winning four consecutive games from 2-2 to secure the opening set. Although Blockx fought competitively in the second set to lead 5-4, Khachanov claimed the next three games while winning 12 of the final 13 points. Throughout the match, Blockx required medical timeouts while struggling with persistent pain in his ankle, hip and back.
Match statistics and commentary
Khachanov finished the quarter-final with 26 winners compared to 21 for Blockx, while committing fewer unforced errors at 21 to the Belgian's 26. Eurosport commentator Justyna Kostyra noted after the match that it was a great pity for Blockx's tournament to end this way after his strong performances. Kostyra added that Khachanov executed his plan effectively to reach the semi-finals, a stage few observers had expected him to reach given his current form.
Career milestones and tournament context
The victory marks the third career Grand Slam semi-final for Khachanov, who previously reached the last four at the 2022 US Open and the 2023 Australian Open. The US Open, held annually in New York, is the fourth and final Grand Slam event of the professional tennis calendar. ATP rankings determine tournament seeding for players on the elite men's circuit, where Khachanov currently holds the 50th position.
Despite the injury, Blockx produced a standout run in New York as one of the major revelations of this year's tournament. Ranked 34th in the world, the young Belgian reached the quarter-finals by defeating Italy's Flavio Cobolli, the world number six and a finalist at Roland Garros this year. Blockx then eliminated 25th-ranked Argentine Francisco Cerundolo in the round of 16 before facing Khachanov.
Next match opponent
Khachanov now awaits his semi-final opponent in New York. He will play the winner of the quarter-final clash between German second seed Alexander Zverev and Botic Van De Zandschulp of the Netherlands, who is ranked 70th in the world.
