Khachanov reaches US Open semifinals after Blockx’s body gives out and forces him to stop playing

New York (AP) — In a thrilling encounter at the U.S. Open, Karen Khachanov reached his third Grand Slam semifinal, propelled by Alexander Blockx's body giving out and forcing him to halt play. The 28-year-old Russian, seeded 28th, defeated Blockx 6-2, 7-5, 3-2 after the American's leg, ribs, and back injuries took their toll. Khachanov, who had never reached a Grand Slam semifinal before 2022 and 2023, said he was well-prepared for the matchup, noting Blockx was suffering throughout the third set.

Khachanov will now face either top-seeded Alexander Zverev or Botic van de Zandschulp in the semifinals. Blockx, unseeded in a Grand Slam tournament since 2018, had reached the third round of all four majors for the first time but struggled to advance beyond the opening rounds in other events.