Zverev Advances to US Open Semifinals as Blockx Retires With Injuries

Blockx’s US Open run ended abruptly on Wednesday as the Belgian retired from his quarter-final against Karen Khachanov after a series of injuries.

Playing in his first Grand Slam quarter-final, the 21-year-old received treatment for a blister on his foot before developing problems with his back.

“I think today my body just gave up,” said Blockx, who had nearly retired during his fourth-round victory over Francisco Cerundolo with a rib injury.

“I had to laugh it off because something new kept happening during the match. It was getting worse and worse, and I couldn’t land without feeling pain in my back and ribs.

“So I didn’t want to risk making it worse and missing the rest of the season.”

Khachanov wished Blockx a speedy recovery after securing his place in a Grand Slam semi-final for the first time since the Australian Open in 2023.

A former world No. 8, the 30-year-old has seen his ranking fall to No. 50 after a disappointing run of results over recent months, leaving him unseeded at a major for the first time since 2018.

Khachanov said he would need to produce his best form to defeat Zverev and reach his first major final.

“He has been in the top five for so many years, and this year he has stepped forward even more. He won his first Grand Slam, reached the Wimbledon final, and is coming in with great form,” Khachanov said.

Zverev, meanwhile, said he would have to remain wary of Khachanov and his extensive knowledge of the game.

“We call him ‘The Professor’ because he knows everything about tennis. He knows every string tension and what everyone does, so that’s quite fun,” Zverev said.

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