US Open semi-final predictions: Zverev and Shelton look strong, Pegula to upset Sabalenka

As the US Open draws to a close this weekend in New York, the final four in both the men's and women's singles have been determined. The men's bracket has been wide open, largely due to the absence of world No 1 Jannik Sinner and the fitness issues of Carlos Alcaraz, who exited in the last eight. Alexander Zverev is the favorite to win the title, but he will have to climb over an American player and face the home crowd in the final after defeating Karen Khachanov.

In the women's draw, there is plenty of star power with the top four seeds all making the semi-finals for the first time since Wimbledon in 2009. Aryna Sabalenka (1) will face Jessica Pegula (3) in the first semi-final, a rematch of last year's championship match. Pegula has won two of their three meetings, including both their encounters on grass in Berlin and Wuhan.

However, Sabalenka's victory at the WTA Finals in Riyadh suggests she may be vulnerable after her loss to Linda Noskova in Tuesday's match. A win for Pegula seems likely, but it will be a tough contest to watch and could go the distance.

Elena Rybakina (2) will take on Coco Gauff (4) in another closely contested semi-final. Gauff's fighting spirit and ability to exploit the energy of the home crowd make her a threat, but Rybakina's dominance on the hard court, fueled by her strong serve, makes her the favorite to claim the title next week. Naomi Osaka was unable to overcome Zheng Qinwen in the quarter-finals, signaling a potential upset for the French Open champion and Wimbledon runner-up.

The men's semi-final line-up features a showdown between Alexander Zverev (1) and Karen Khachanov, with Zverev leading their head-to-head 6-3 and having won four of the last five matches. Frances Tiafoe (11) will play Ben Shelton (8) in the other semi-final, guaranteeing a home player in the final. This all-American clash will delight the US crowd, as both Tiafoe and Shelton enter their third major semifinal of the year.

Shelton leads their head-to-head 3-1 and appears to have the momentum after his recent win over Carlos Alcaraz.