US Open 2026 Day 11: Gauff, Rybakina Shine as Zverev and Khachanov Reach Men’s Semifinals

 


NEW YORK, September 9: Day 11 of the 2026 US Open produced a compelling mix of resilience, breakthroughs and disappointment at Flushing Meadows, with Coco Gauff and Elena Rybakina reaching the women’s semifinals, while Alexander Zverev and Karen Khachanov secured places in the men’s last four. 


Gauff survives dramatic Andreeva challenge

American fourth seed Coco Gauff staged one of the day’s most impressive comebacks, fighting past fifth seed Mirra Andreeva 2-6, 7-6(9-7), 6-2.

Gauff was in serious trouble after losing the opening set and then faced two match points in the second-set tie-break. She held her nerve, saved both opportunities and forced the contest into a decider. From there, the American seized control, producing a commanding third set to complete a memorable turnaround. 


The victory sent Gauff into her second US Open semifinal, and she will now face Rybakina in a blockbuster encounter.

Rybakina becomes world No. 1

Second seed Elena Rybakina also had to recover from a slow start before defeating China's Zheng Qinwen 3-6, 6-1, 6-4.

After dropping the first set, Rybakina dramatically raised her level, taking the second 6-1 before edging a tense deciding set 6-4. The victory was particularly significant because it secured her first US Open semifinal and the world No. 1 ranking for the first time in her career. 


Rybakina's rise to the top ends Aryna Sabalenka's 99-week reign at No. 1. The Kazakh, already a Wimbledon champion and 2026 Australian Open winner, now has an opportunity to add a maiden US Open crown to her Grand Slam collection.

Khachanov advances after Blockx retirement

In the men's draw, Karen Khachanov reached his third Grand Slam semifinal after Belgian youngster Alexander Blockx retired with Khachanov leading 6-2, 7-5, 3-2.

Blockx had enjoyed a remarkable breakthrough run, having never previously progressed beyond the second round of a Grand Slam. However, injuries forced him to end his quarterfinal prematurely. 


Khachanov will next meet top seed Alexander Zverev, setting up an intriguing semifinal.

Zverev powers past Van de Zandschulp

Top seed Alexander Zverev produced one of his most authoritative performances of the tournament, defeating Dutchman Botic van de Zandschulp 6-2, 7-5, 6-1.

Zverev overcame some early serving difficulties, including five double faults, but gradually took complete command. After a competitive second set, the German dominated the third to close out a convincing straight-set victory. 


The result is particularly noteworthy because Zverev has now reached the semifinals at all four Grand Slam tournaments in 2026. He also moved to 23 Grand Slam match victories this year, surpassing Boris Becker's German men's record of 22 wins in a calendar year, set in 1989. 


All-American showdown awaits

With the other men's semifinal already set, the US Open has guaranteed an American presence in the final four. Frances Tiafoe will meet Ben Shelton, while Zverev takes on Khachanov.

Shelton's dramatic victory over defending champion Carlos Alcaraz, which finished at 3:33 a.m., and Tiafoe's extraordinary comeback from two sets down against Alex Michelsen have added an unmistakable American flavour to the closing stages. 


Women's semifinals set

Day 11 also completed the women's semifinal lineup. The tournament's top four seeds have reached the last four:

Aryna Sabalenka (1) vs Jessica Pegula (3)

Coco Gauff (4) vs Elena Rybakina (2)

It is the first time since 1975 that the top four women's seeds have all reached the US Open semifinals, adding further significance to an already fascinating tournament. 


Day 11 in numbers

Match

Result

Coco Gauff vs Mirra Andreeva

2-6, 7-6(9-7), 6-2

Elena Rybakina vs Zheng Qinwen

3-6, 6-1, 6-4

Karen Khachanov vs Alexander Blockx

6-2, 7-5, 3-2 ret.

Alexander Zverev vs Botic van de Zandschulp

6-2, 7-5, 6-1

Day 11 therefore delivered four very different quarterfinal stories—Gauff's dramatic escape, Rybakina's ascent to No. 1, Khachanov's injury-assisted progression and Zverev's commanding display—leaving the US Open poised for a thrilling semifinal stage.

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