Aleksandr Zverev’s breakthrough season has added another milestone to his impressive career. After lifting his first Grand Slam trophy at Roland Garros, the German tennis star reached the Wimbledon final and, by defeating Karen Khachanov on Friday, advanced to the US Open title match. This remarkable run puts him in rare company: three major finals on three different surfaces in a single year.
Zverev’s Historic Achievement
Since the US Open moved to hard courts in 1978, the four majors have been contested on clay, grass, and hard courts each season. Before Zverev, only 11 men had made finals on all three surfaces in one year. The notable group spans various eras and includes legends like Bjorn Borg (1978, 1980, 1981), John McEnroe (1984), Ivan Lendl (1986, 1987), Jim Courier (1993), Andre Agassi (1999), Roger Federer (2006–2009), Rafael Nadal (2010, 2011), Novak Djokovic (2015, 2021, 2023), Andy Murray (2016), and, most recently, Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner (both in 2025). All of these players ultimately finished their careers as multiple major winners and reached the top of the rankings.
Zverev has not yet climbed to the No. 1 spot, but his 2026 campaign underscores how far he has progressed. His return to the US Open final also revives a storyline from six years ago, when he led by two sets in the championship match before Dominic Thiem rallied to take the title.
On Sunday, the 29-year-old will step into Arthur Ashe Stadium aiming to complete a standout summer by chasing the trophy he narrowly missed in 2020. His results this season demonstrate a player capable of contending on any surface, aligning with the sport’s greats who achieved the same rare sweep. Zverev’s impressive form and resilience make him a formidable opponent and a player to watch in the future.