By Janina Nuno Rios
NEW YORK, Sept 9 (Reuters) – 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.
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.
(Reporting by Janina Nuno Rios in New York; Editing by Stephen Coates)
