Karen Khachanov Reaches US Open Semifinals as Alexander Blockx Retires

Karen Khachanov advanced to the US Open semifinals on Wednesday after Alexander Blockx retired while trailing 6-2, 7-5, 3-2.

Unseeded Karen Khachanov advanced to the US Open semifinals on Wednesday when No. 28 seed Alexander Blockx retired during the third set. Khachanov held a lead of 6-2, 7-5, 3-2 and had just broken Blockx's serve when the Belgian player stopped the match. This victory marks the third Grand Slam semifinal appearance for the Russian, following deep runs at the 2022 US Open and the 2023 Australian Open.

Blockx cited injuries to his leg, ribs, and back as the reason for his withdrawal, stating that his body began compensating with different motions to avoid pain. The 28th seed received treatment for multiple body parts during the quarterfinal and noted that he had nearly stopped playing during his previous round due to similar physical struggles. Khachanov observed that his opponent appeared to be suffering across his entire body as the match progressed.

Khachanov entered the tournament unseeded for the first time since 2018, arriving in New York with a 10-15 record in non-major events this season. Despite losing in the opening rounds of three hard-court tournaments prior to the US Open, he has now reached at least the third round of all four majors in a single year for the first time. He will face either top-seeded Alexander Zverev or Botic Van De Zandschulp in the semifinals for a chance to reach his first career major final.