Khachanov knocks out Zverev to reach Canadian Open finals

By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña

Karen Khachanov pulled off a major upset by defeating top-seeded Alexander Zverev 6-3, 4-6, 7-6 to reach the final of the National Bank Open on August 7, 2025, in Montreal.

The world No. 11’s decision-making and stamina were tested in the semifinal clash, which lasted nearly three hours of high-level tennis.

Zverev started strong, finding rhythm on his serve in the first three games, but Khachanov countered with an improved return game that limited the German’s ace count.

Khachanov’s flatter returns helped him break Zverev’s serve midway through the first set, sparking a momentum-shifting 3-0 run that put the world No. 3 on the back foot.

Zverev, originally reliant on a service-heavy attack, shifted tactics after Khachanov neutralized his kick serve—a move that ultimately slowed down his offensive rhythm.

In the second set, Zverev bounced back by reading Khachanov’s play more effectively and executing crisp net flicks.

He took control at the net, forcing Khachanov into safe, high lobs, which he converted into four emphatic overhead smashes.

With the match tied at one set apiece, the stage was set for a thrilling decider, as both players held serve throughout the final set.

Zverev opened the third set with a powerful serving display, but Khachanov quickly adjusted and landed a series of precise drop shots that caught the German off guard.

In the tiebreak, Zverev surged ahead 3-1 and appeared poised to close out the match—until Khachanov unleashed a stunning 6-1 run to turn the tide.

Locked at 3-all, Khachanov seized control with steady groundstrokes and well-timed slice returns that wore Zverev down.

The match ended on an anticlimactic note when Zverev mishit his first return, handing Khachanov a ticket to the Canadian Open final.