Karen Khachanov returns to semis as Blockx retires in quarter-final

Karen Khachanov reached the US Open semi-finals after Alexander Blockx retired injured in their quarter-final. The Belgian's breakthrough run ended in pain, while Khachanov moved back into the final four.Khachanov was leading 6-2, 7-5, 3-2 when Blockx called time on the contest. (Photo: Reuters)Karen Khachanov returned to the US Open semi-finals on Wednesday after Alexander Blockx was forced to retire with the Belgian trailing 6-2, 7-5, 3-2. The Russian was in control before Blockx's physical problems brought his breakthrough run to an unfortunate end.Blockx had already been carrying a rib injury into the quarter-final and appeared increasingly hampered as the match progressed. The 21-year-old was wearing a brace on his right ankle and had his thigh wrapped, while also calling for the trainer during the contest.WATCH THE VIDEO:The Belgian fought through the discomfort but Khachanov steadily took control, winning the opening two sets before moving 3-2 ahead in the third. After one hour and 38 minutes, Blockx decided he could not continue.“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.”KHACHANOV BACK IN THE US OPEN FINAL FOURKhachanov admitted he could sense Blockx was struggling more as the contest went on, but remained focused on maintaining his intensity. “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 victory marks Khachanov's return to the US Open semi-finals for the first time since 2022. The world No. 50 had arrived in New York ranked lower than he had for any Grand Slam since 2017, but has already produced wins over third seed Felix Auger-Aliassime and 14th seed Learner Tien.BLOCKX'S BREAKTHROUGH RUN ENDSDespite the disappointing finish, Blockx leaves Flushing Meadows having made history. His run made him the first Belgian man to reach the US Open quarter-finals, following a memorable campaign that included a win over fifth seed Flavio Cobolli.The 21-year-old had also revealed that his body was already struggling during his fourth-round win over Francisco Cerundolo, making his quarter-final appearance all the more remarkable.“I was still feeling my rib a lot. My leg. Then in the second set, I blocked a nerve in my back, which yeah, was even worse to move,” Blockx said.Khachanov will now await the winner of top seed Alexander Zverev's clash with Botic van de Zandschulp for a place in the US Open final.- EndsPublished By: Debodinna ChakrabortyPublished On: Sep 10, 2026 07:33 IST