Alexander Zverev didn't merely win his fourth-round match against Jannik Sinner on Monday; he endured an arduous five-set battle to secure victory and advance to the US Open quarter-finals. The German player, still regaining confidence in his ankle following an injury last year, displayed resilience and stamina to triumph in a grueling 6-4, 3-6, 6-2, 4-6, 6-3 contest, which became the longest match of this year's tournament. Zverev will face the defending champion and top seed, Carlos Alcaraz, in the next round.
The match between Zverev and Sinner unfolded in sweltering conditions, captivating a near-capacity crowd for over four and a half hours. Both players engaged in intense baseline rallies, showcasing their skills and making strategic plays. Zverev secured the first set after a closely contested battle, but Sinner responded impressively in the second set, taking control and displaying remarkable shotmaking.
In the third set, Zverev appeared fatigued but managed to hold on, and Sinner began to struggle with leg cramps. Despite his physical discomfort, Sinner continued to fight, saving multiple break points. However, Zverev capitalized on his opponent's suffering, securing crucial breaks and taking a two-set-to-one lead.
The match extended into Tuesday morning, marked by the players' physical exhaustion and a controversial incident involving a spectator who made inappropriate remarks related to Hitler, leading to his ejection from the stadium.
As the fourth set unfolded, both players exhibited remarkable resilience, with Sinner breaking Zverev to force a deciding fifth set. Zverev broke early in the final set and demonstrated excellent net play, winning crucial points at the net. Despite the humidity and physical challenges, Zverev prevailed, earning a hard-fought victory.
Reflecting on the match, Zverev acknowledged the challenging conditions, including high humidity and the need to change his clothing and shoes multiple times. He expressed his enthusiasm for reaching this stage of the tournament, particularly after his comeback following injury struggles.
Zverev, who reached the US Open final three years ago but narrowly missed the title, is now two wins away from another opportunity to claim the championship, a prospect that holds special significance after his recent challenges and comeback.
In summary, Alexander Zverev's victory over Jannik Sinner in a grueling five-set match at the US Open demonstrated his resilience and determination, setting the stage for a potential shot at the championship.