Khachanov Advances to US Open Semis on Blockx Retirement

Karen Khachanov has advanced to the US Open semifinals after his quarterfinal opponent, Alexander Blockx, retired due to injury. Khachanov was leading the match 6-2, 7-5, 3-2 when Blockx was unable to continue. The retirement marked the end of a breakthrough tournament for the 21-year-old Belgian, who became the first man from his country to reach the US Open quarterfinals. Blockx had been visibly hampered by physical problems throughout the contest. He entered the match with a pre-existing rib injury and had considered retiring during his fourth-round victory. During the quarterfinal, Blockx received medical treatment and was observed to be struggling with multiple ailments, including issues with his foot, back, right ankle, and thigh. Despite these challenges, he continued to compete until the score reached 3-2 in the third set. Khachanov, currently ranked 50th in the world, acknowledged seeing his opponent's distress. "I saw really that he was suffering all over his body," Khachanov stated. He expressed mixed feelings about advancing in this manner, wishing Blockx a speedy recovery while also acknowledging his own progress.