Karen Khachanov vs Alexander Blockx US Open Quarterfinal Match Highlights

Karen Khachanov advanced to the US Open semifinals after Alexander Blockx was forced to retire during their quarterfinal at Arthur Ashe Stadium.

Khachanov was leading 6-2, 7-5, 3-2 when Blockx ended the match after one hour and 37 minutes. The Belgian had already been dealing with a rib injury from his previous match and entered the quarterfinal with his right thigh heavily bandaged.

Despite the unfortunate ending, Khachanov had controlled much of the contest with his powerful forehand and consistent baseline play. He now returns to the US Open semifinals for the second time in his career.

Detail	Match Information
Tournament	US Open 2026
Round	Quarterfinal
Match	Karen Khachanov vs Alexander Blockx
Venue	Arthur Ashe Stadium
Result	Karen Khachanov won 6-2, 7-5, 3-2 ret.
Khachanov Seed	Unseeded
Blockx Seed	No. 28
Winner	Karen Khachanov
Next Round	Semifinal vs Alexander Zverev

Khachanov Takes Control Early

Khachanov made the stronger start and quickly put pressure on Blockx's serve.

The Russian used his powerful forehand to dictate rallies and repeatedly pushed Blockx behind the baseline. He broke twice to move 5-2 ahead before serving out the opening set 6-2.

Blockx struggled to find his usual level as his physical problems continued to affect his movement.

Blockx Battles Through the Second Set

The Belgian fought harder in the second set and managed to stay close to Khachanov.

Blockx showed flashes of the form that had carried him to the quarterfinals, but his physical condition remained a concern. During the set, he was seen stretching his back and hip as he walked toward the baseline.

Khachanov remained patient and waited for his opportunities. After Blockx held for 4-3, Khachanov maintained his pressure and eventually broke through late in the set.

He closed out the second 7-5 to move within one set of the semifinals.

Blockx Retires in the Third

Khachanov continued to hold the advantage at the start of the third set.

The Russian moved ahead 3-2 before Blockx decided he could not continue. The Belgian's physical problems had become too difficult to overcome after entering the match with an existing rib injury and other issues affecting his movement.

After one hour and 37 minutes, Blockx retired, sending Khachanov into the final four.

Khachanov Reaches US Open Semifinals

The victory puts Khachanov into his second US Open semifinal, matching his run from 2022.

The Russian has produced an impressive run in New York after entering the tournament unseeded. He defeated No. 3 seed Félix Auger-Aliassime earlier in the tournament before beating Learner Tien in a five-set fourth-round comeback.

His semifinal opponent will be top seed Alexander Zverev, who defeated Botic van de Zandschulp in straight sets.

The semifinal will be a rematch of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics final, where Zverev defeated Khachanov to win the gold medal.

For Blockx, the quarterfinal run remains a major breakthrough. The 21-year-old Belgian became the first Belgian man to reach the US Open quarterfinals and produced a major upset by defeating No. 5 seed Francisco Cerundolo in the previous round.

Match Highlights

• Karen Khachanov advanced after Alexander Blockx retired.
• Khachanov was leading 6-2, 7-5, 3-2 when Blockx retired.
• The match lasted one hour and 37 minutes.
• Khachanov reached his second US Open semifinal.
• Blockx was the No. 28 seed.
• Khachanov entered the tournament unseeded.
• Blockx was dealing with a rib injury from his previous match.
• Blockx also had his right thigh heavily bandaged.
• Khachanov used his powerful forehand to control the opening set.
• Khachanov broke Blockx twice in the first set.
• Blockx fought back in the second but lost it 7-5.
• Blockx became the first Belgian man to reach the US Open quarterfinals.
• Khachanov will face Alexander Zverev in the semifinals.
• Zverev and Khachanov previously met in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics final.

Karen Khachanov's run at the US Open continues with another semifinal appearance. The Russian controlled the match before Blockx's physical problems forced him to retire, but Khachanov's performance throughout the tournament has already marked a strong return to the latter stages of a Grand Slam. He now faces top seed Alexander Zverev for a place in the final.