Khachanov back to US Open semi-finals as Blockx retires

Karen Khachanov advanced to the U.S. Open semi-finals on Wednesday when Alexander Blockx retired ​trailing 6-2 7-5 3-2, as the Russian player of Armenian descent reached the final-four stage in ‌Flushing Meadows for the first time since 2022.

Blockx, who became the first Belgian man to reach the U.S. Open quarter-finals, was already carrying a rib injury into the match and was visibly hampered by further physical ​issues, Reuters reported.

He wore a brace on his right ankle and had his thigh ​wrapped, with the 21-year-old also calling for the trainer during the contest.

The 28th-seeded ⁠Blockx battled on despite his discomfort but was unable to match Khachanov as the ​30-year-old continued his resurgence in New York, before eventually calling it a day after one hour ​and 38 minutes.

Blockx, who upset fifth seed Flavio Cobolli in the third round, had already hinted at his physical issues, admitting he came close to retiring during his match against Francisco Cerundolo in the fourth round.

"Today ​my body just gave up," Blockx told reporters.

"I had it really difficult physically already. Against ​Francisco, I was on the verge of retiring, and today just kept getting worse."

World number 50 Khachanov will return to a Grand Slam semi-final for the first time since reaching the last four at the Australian Open ​in 2023.

"I was preparing ​really well for that ⁠match up, it's not easy because I feel I was dominating then I felt he was struggling more and more," Khachanov said on ​court.

"He was suffering, but I wanted to keep the energy there. ​I wish him ⁠a speedy recovery but I'm super happy I'm in the semis."

The former world number eight, who had not played a major with a ranking this low since 2017, had already knocked out ⁠third ​seed Felix Auger-Aliassime and 14th seed Learner Tien on his ​way to the last eight.

He will face either top seed Alexander Zverev or Dutchman Botic van de Zandschulp in ​the semi-finals.