US OPEN

September 9, 2026

Karen Khachanov

Press Conference

K. KHACHANOV/A. Blockx

6-2, 7-5, 3-2 [Ret.]

THE MODERATOR: Congratulations. Moving on to the semifinals. Your thoughts on that achievement.

KAREN KHACHANOV: Thank you very much. Yeah, look, I think you always want to finish the match fully, let's say, in a way, to have a little bit more sweet of the victory, let's say.

But at the same time, I think I played a good level. I think at the end of second set I noticed that he had some more and more issues and difficulties, let's say, physically.

He's, again, super-nice guy. I mentioned that before the match. Very respectful. I wish him really a speedy recovery. I would have liked to finish it in a good way, because he also did a tremendous effort, great tournament. Best result so far in a Grand Slam.

So, you know, it is what it is.

THE MODERATOR: Questions.

Q. Forgetting about today's match and focusing on the accomplishment for you right now, how do you look at what you've done here and what it means in your career?

KAREN KHACHANOV: I mean, definitely, look, we have spoken about that I think at the beginning of tournament or maybe after my first round. Every Grand Slam, every big stage, you want to do well. This is what we've been dreaming of as a kid, you know, to play on the further stages of this event, that one day it can come.

You know, it came already a couple of times (smiling). That's why I think it's a little bit moment of appreciation, and at the same time, ambition and motivation for what's coming next.

Q. And speaking of what's coming next, since they are out on the court now, I'd like to ask you about each one specifically, starting with Sascha. What are your thoughts about what he's done to reach where he's gone and your rivalry over the years?

KAREN KHACHANOV: Yeah, look, he is where he is, because, I mean, he deserves to be there. He's been in top 5 for so many years. This year he did also step forward. He won his first Grand Slam. Played the final in Wimbledon, as well. I mean, he's coming up really in hot form, let's say.

You know, we had some great matches. He's leading, I think, 6-3 if I'm right, head-to-head, tough battles. Last year I won in Canada, which was very important one after a few defeats that I had against him. Yeah, let's see. Let's see who wins.

As of Botic, obviously I played him also twice, once this year. You know, whenever he plays the way he plays this tournament, it's extremely dangerous guy, you know. He proves that he can beat great players.

You know, sometimes he can play with rhythm, but also, at the same time, he shoots extremely hard. You know, he has big serve.

So, you know, his main thing is his weapons, I would say, is aggressive game, if we speak about the way he plays, you know, but he's also a great mover. He's sliding on the court, giving you some balls back. So sometimes plays without rhythm, as well.

So different completely. Two completely different opponents, I'd say.

Q. What part of your game do you think would give you an advantage if you face Zverev, and same question if you face Botic?

KAREN KHACHANOV: I mean, look, with Zverev, definitely I will have to come up with the best form. I will have to, you know, have patience, still take the lead in the middle. Playing basically same way that I was playing, you know, which is paying off.

To take control in the middle, to dictate, but not to rush. You know, to build the point in the right way, and then whenever I see and I feel the chance, I need to change the pace, because just with regular pace, let's say, with good speed, I mean, we will have to play for a long time, you know, (smiling). Somewhere have to make the difference.

And obviously of course serve/return. This is with what you start. He has big, big first serve, great return. So I have to be focused on that, as well.

As regards to Botic, not much different from what I would play anyway from my side, as I would approach against Sascha. Just maybe that try to push him more to the forehand side, let's say, but at the same time, to keep him more, like, solid.

Basically I would play same level, same type of game, taking the lead when I have chance, but at the same time, play more solid. Let's put it that way. With him, I can stay in the points longer if I need to, you know.

Q. Karen, you've been around for quite a long time now, but maybe people still forget how young you still are. Has your approach to playing or going into matches changed dramatically in the last few years?

KAREN KHACHANOV: I wouldn't say changed dramatically, because at the end of the day, if you do something well, you have to continue doing that.

So some things obviously changed. I mean, I grew up. I'm, let's say, older. I'm more mature. In a way, I have a little bit of experience behind my back, but at the same time, it depends what we are talking about, like preparation, you know, before the match, routines, warm-up, you know, some things, they modified a little bit. But in just general, I wouldn't say the whole structure changed.

Q. Do you enjoy it as much maybe as the year you won Paris indoors and things like that?

KAREN KHACHANOV: To be honest, yes. Look, even with the years, I was speaking about the approach of taking the wins and taking losses, you know. I think this also changed a lot in my career.

In general, the way I see the things also, you know, what is, let's say, more important, what is not important, you know, outside the court, inside the court, at the end of the day, the things, they get connected also on your values and, you know, how you approach the life in general.

Yeah, a lot of things in that regard changed.