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

The US Open draws to a close this weekend in New York, with the final four in both men's and women's singles confirmed. The men's semi-finals line-up remains wide open, primarily due to the absence of world No 1 Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz's recent withdrawal due to fitness concerns. Alexander Zverev is favored to advance, but he'll need to overcome Karen Khachanov in the final, after first getting past American player Ben Shelton.

For the women's side, the top four seeds all secured their spots in the semi-finals for the first time at a Grand Slam since Wimbledon in 2009. Aryna Sabalenka (1) is set to face Jessica Pegula (3) in their semi-final matchup. This is a rematch of last year's final and the 2024 semi-final, with Sabalenka winning both encounters.

Since then, Pegula has claimed two of their three meetings, including victories on grass in Berlin and hard court in Wuhan. Pegula is known for her problem-solving abilities and will likely analyze her mistakes from the last two New York appearances, while Sabalenka was vulnerable in her recent win against Linda Noskova. A Pegula upset is possible, but it's expected to be a grueling match, likely going the distance. The favored pick is Pegula in three sets.

Elena Rybakina (2) and Coco Gauff (4) are also set to meet in the women's semi-finals. Gauff's tenacity and ability to utilize the home crowd's energy make her a formidable contender, but she'll need to overcome Rybakina, who is now favored to win the title. The 27-year-old Rybakina has been a dominant force on hard courts over the past 10 days, as evident in her quarter-final match against Naomi Osaka, who couldn't match her power or groundstrokes. Pick: Rybakina in two sets.

In the men's singles, Alexander Zverev (1) is favored to face Karen Khachanov (9) in the final. Zverev has reached the semi-finals at all four majors this year and is the only Grand Slam winner remaining in the men's draw. If he reaches the final, he would view it as a failure if he didn't win another major title. Zverev holds a 6-3 head-to-head record over Khachanov and has won four of their last five encounters. Pick: Zverev in four sets.

The US crowd gets an all-American matchup in the men's fourth seed Frances Tiafoe (11) versus Ben Shelton (8). This will be a third major semi-final for both players, with Tiafoe losing twice in New York and Shelton making the semis in Australia and the US. Shelton has a 3-1 head-to-head advantage over Tiafoe after his recent win over Carlos Alcaraz. It's unlikely to be easy, but Shelton seems to have the momentum. Pick: Shelton in five sets.