Karen Khachanov criticizes Alexander Zverev over US Open serving routine

Alexander Zverev advanced to the US Open final after defeating Karen Khachanov in straight sets. Following the match, Khachanov addressed Zverev’s prolonged ball-bouncing routine, suggesting the repetitive motion disrupts the returner's rhythm. While Khachanov acknowledged that Zverev remained within the 25-second serve clock for most points, he noted the behavior forces opponents to reset their position repeatedly. Zverev received a time violation during a second-set tiebreak, though he maintained that the behavior is not an intentional tactic but a natural part of his preparation. The German player faces Ben Shelton in the upcoming final at the tournament in New York. Tournament officials monitor whether players adhere to rules regarding unreasonable delays, but chair umpires hold the authority to issue warnings for infractions.

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