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U.S. Open 2026 men’s semifinals watch guide: Shelton vs. Tiafoe, Zverev vs. Khachanov

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3 minutes ago

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The 2026 U.S. Open men’s semifinals are set, with a Honey Deuce pitcher’s amount of history on the line.

Two Black American men are meeting in a Grand Slam semifinal for the first time in the sport’s history: Ben Shelton and Frances Tiafoe will be competing for an inaugural Grand Slam final berth. The winner will become the first Black man since Arthur Ashe in 1972, and the second American man in two decades, to reach the U.S. Open final.

At the top of the bracket, No. 1-seeded Alexander Zverev can become the first man this century to win multiple Grand Slams in a year aside from the Big Three of Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic, and the new two of Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz. Standing in his way is former world No. 8 Karen Khachanov, who is looking for his first major title.

How to watch the 2026 U.S. Open men’s semifinals

  • Venue: Billie Jean King National Tennis Center — Queens, N.Y.
  • Date: Friday, Sept. 11
Match Time (ET) TV Stream

No.1 Alexander Zverev vs.
Karen Khachanov

3 p.m.

ESPN

No. 8 Ben Shelton vs.
No. 11 Frances Tiafoe

7 p.m.
(approximately)

ESPN

ESPN is also available with an ESPN Unlimited subscription. The list of global broadcasters can be found on the U.S. Open website.

In the first semifinal, Khachanov will face Zverev in a rematch of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics final. Zverev took home the gold, and he also won their sole Grand Slam meeting at the 2018 French Open.

Zverev dispatched Botic van de Zandschulp 6-2, 7-5, 6-1 to advance to his fourth consecutive major semifinal. The 2026 French Open champ has not lost a single set since two five-set battles to start this tournament.

Khachanov has spent significantly less time on court. The three-time Grand Slam semifinalist won his quarterfinal match against a hampered Alexander Blockx, who retired in the third set.

Why does no one dominate the US Open?

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The second semifinal features two home-country favorites. Both Shelton and Tiafoe are recovering from five-set marathons decided by a super tiebreak.

Tiafoe got off to a slow start against fellow countryman Alex Michelsen. A poor serving performance from Tiafoe helped Michelsen secure an early two-set lead. But when the 22-year-old was serving to reach his first major semifinal, the moment got to him. Two double faults and a break of serve later, Tiafoe won seven straight games to spur a comeback that culminated in a fifth-set 10-point tiebreak.

The nearly five-hour affair at Arthur Ashe Stadium ended with an emotional embrace at the net between the two, with the 28-year-old booking a ticket to his third U.S. Open semifinal.

Shelton’s quarterfinal was equally dramatic. He defeated defending champion Alcaraz in the latest finish in U.S. Open history. Tweeners were hit. Big serves were clocked. Spectators erupted. And Shelton, after four and a half hours, notched his first win against the seven-time Grand Slam champ.

In their third U.S. Open meeting, both Shelton and Tiafoe have the opportunity to end the 23-year American men’s major drought and the 51-year drought for Black American men.

The winners of Friday’s semifinals will advance to the men’s championship on Sunday.

Updated U.S. Open men’s semifinals odds

Streaming links in this article are provided by partners of The Athletic. Restrictions may apply. The Athletic maintains full editorial independence. Partners have no control over or input into the reporting or editing process and do not review stories before publication.

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Mexico captain Edson Alvarez denies allegations of involvement in kidnapping plot

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8 minutes ago

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September 11, 2026

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Mexico captain Edson Alvarez says he “categorically rejects” allegations of his involvement in an alleged kidnapping plot.

Filmmaker Juan Jose Lopez Ordonez has accused the West Ham United midfielder of conspiring to kidnap him in Mexico in November 2024. Ordonez alleges he was kidnapped by two people who threatened him, blindfolded him, had weapons and inserted a syringe into his neck.

Ordonez alleges he is owed 3.5million pesos ($206,000, £152,500) by Alvarez after working with the Mexico international on a documentary. The film producer claims he initially asked for payment in 2024 and was also in conflict with Alvarez’s family over a property he says he owned. He made the allegations in an interview with Mexican news outlet TVNotas.

Alvarez strongly denies the allegations and says his team will take legal action against anyone making “false allegations” against him.

The 28-year-old posted a statement on Instagram, which read: “In light of the publications and statements that have circulated recently, I believe it is necessary to address this matter clearly and firmly. I categorically reject any allegation or attempt to associate my name with events, conflicts, or conduct that are entirely unrelated to me.

“Over the past several months, my name and image have repeatedly been used to generate greater media attention around a situation that has nothing to do with me. Until now, I had chosen not to respond. However, there are limits, and attributing knowledge, responsibility, or involvement in matters of this nature to me without presenting a single piece of evidence clearly crosses that line.

“If anyone believes they have evidence of any wrongdoing on my part, there are authorities, prosecutors, and courts before which they can present it. Serious accusations must be supported by evidence and presented before the appropriate authorities, not through statements in media outlets whose content prioritises sensationalism and media exposure over accuracy and truth. I will not allow my name to be used to fuel conflicts between third parties or to gain media exposure.

“Therefore, given the seriousness of the statements that have been made, I have instructed my legal team to evaluate and pursue the appropriate legal action against any person who makes or disseminates false allegations against me. I also want to be clear regarding the publications that have attempted to connect me to this matter through my former partner’s father: It is not my place to confirm, deny, or comment on what may be said about third parties, but it is my responsibility to make one thing absolutely clear: I have nothing to do with the events being reported.”

Alvarez joined West Ham from Dutch side Ajax for €40million (£34.4m) in August 2023. In his three-year spell, he has scored twice and registered three assists across 74 appearances. Alvarez spent last season on loan at Turkish side Fenerbahce, having fallen out with ex-manager Graham Potter, who was replaced by Nuno Espirito Santo in September 2025.

Alvarez was expected to leave in the summer transfer window, but was unable to seal an exit. His last appearance for West Ham was during their first-round Carabao Cup victory against Portsmouth last month.

He has made 102 appearances for Mexico since his senior debut in 2017 and was part of the squad at the 2026 World Cup. Alvarez made four appearances at the tournament as Mexico reached the last 16, captaining the side when starting.

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How to watch Commanders vs. Eagles: TV channel and streaming options for September 13

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15 minutes ago

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September 11, 2026

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On Sunday, September 13, 2026, the Washington Commanders (0-0) hit the road for an NFC East battle against the Philadelphia Eagles (0-0) at Lincoln Financial Field.

How to watch Washington Commanders vs. Philadelphia Eagles

Washington vs. Philadelphia odds

  • Spread: Philadelphia -5.5 (-112), Washington +5.5 (-109)
  • Favorite Moneyline: Philadelphia -243
  • Underdog Moneyline: Washington +199
  • Total: 44.5
  • Total Over Odds: -107
  • Total Under Odds: -113

Injury reports

Eagles

TE Eli Stowers: Limited Participation in Practice (Hamstring)

OLB Jonathan Greenard: Limited Participation in Practice (Pectoral)

Commanders

TE Ben Sinnott: Full Participation in Practice (Oblique)

DE Charles Omenihu: Full Participation in Practice (Wrist)

QB Marcus Mariota: Full Participation in Practice (Knee)

LB Jordan Magee: Full Participation in Practice (Chest)

OG Nick Allegretti: Full Participation in Practice (Calf)

OLB Odafe Oweh: Limited Participation in Practice (Calf)

RB Jacory Croskey-Merritt: Limited Participation in Practice (Groin)

OLB K’Lavon Chaisson: Limited Participation in Practice (Knee)

DT Da’Ron Payne: Limited Participation in Practice (Knee)

DT Javon Kinlaw: Full Participation in Practice (Back)

Stats to know

  • The Eagles averaged 4.2 fewer points per game last year (22.3) than the Commanders allowed (26.5).
  • Philadelphia’s offense averaged 311.2 yards per game last season, 73.1 yards fewer than the 384.3 allowed by Washington’s defense. Philadelphia averaged 5.4 yards per play, while Washington allowed 6.2.
  • The Eagles’ defense gave up 19.1 points per game last year, close to the 20.9 the Commanders scored.
  • Philadelphia’s defense gave up 314.2 yards per game last year, just 4.6 yards fewer than the 318.8 Washington’s offense gained. Washington picked up 5.7 yards per play, while Philadelphia conceded 5.2.

This watch guide was created using technology provided by Data Skrive.

Betting/odds, ticketing and streaming links in this article are provided by partners of The Athletic. Restrictions may apply. The Athletic maintains full editorial independence. Partners have no control over or input into the reporting or editing process and do not review stories before publication.

Photo: Perry Knotts, Chris Unger / Getty Images

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How to watch Falcons vs. Steelers: TV channel and streaming options for September 13

Published

21 minutes ago

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September 11, 2026

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Acrisure Stadium is where the Atlanta Falcons (0-0) will trade blows with the Pittsburgh Steelers (0-0) on Sunday, September 13, 2026.

How to watch Atlanta Falcons vs. Pittsburgh Steelers

Atlanta vs. Pittsburgh odds

  • Spread: Pittsburgh -4.5 (-115), Atlanta +4.5 (-107)
  • Favorite Moneyline: Pittsburgh -234
  • Underdog Moneyline: Atlanta +192
  • Total: 41.5
  • Total Over Odds: -109
  • Total Under Odds: -111

Injury reports

Steelers

CB Joey Porter Jr.: Limited Participation in Practice (Back)

Falcons

DE Za’Darius Smith: Did Not Participate In Practice (Shoulder)

DL Brandon Dorlus: Limited Participation in Practice (Groin)

CB Billy Bowman: Limited Participation in Practice (Achilles)

OL Kyle Hinton: Full Participation in Practice (Knee)

WR Zachariah Branch: Limited Participation in Practice (Hamstring)

QB Michael Penix Jr.: Full Participation in Practice (Knee)

OT Jawaan Taylor: Did Not Participate In Practice (Knee)

QB Tua Tagovailoa: Limited Participation in Practice (Oblique)

DT Da’Shawn Hand: Limited Participation in Practice (Knee)

LB Kendal Daniels: Limited Participation in Practice (Achilles)

Stats to know

  • The Steelers’ average points scored last season (23.4) and the Falcons’ average points allowed (23.6) were within 0.2 points of each other.
  • Atlanta’s defense allowed 326.6 yards per game last season, 21.0 more than the 305.6 Pittsburgh’s offense averaged. Pittsburgh picked up 5.5 yards per play and Atlanta allowed 5.6.
  • The Falcons put roughly the same amount of points on the board per game (20.8) as the Steelers gave up (22.8) last season.
  • Atlanta’s offense gained 23.9 fewer yards per game than Pittsburgh’s defense allowed last year (333.0 to 356.9). Atlanta earned 5.6 yards per play, while Pittsburgh gave up 5.7.

This watch guide was created using technology provided by Data Skrive.

Betting/odds, ticketing and streaming links in this article are provided by partners of The Athletic. Restrictions may apply. The Athletic maintains full editorial independence. Partners have no control over or input into the reporting or editing process and do not review stories before publication.

Photo: Perry Knotts, Chris Unger / Getty Images

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