Alexander Zverev's victory over Jannik Sinner in the fourth round of the US Open was more about survival than domination. Zverev, the 12th seed, outlasted the sixth-seeded Italian in a grueling five-set match, with a final score of 6-4, 3-6, 6-2, 4-6, 6-3. This marathon encounter marked the longest match of the tournament so far and earned Zverev a place in the quarter-finals, where he would face the defending champion and top seed Carlos Alcaraz.
Despite facing fatigue and an opponent in top form, Zverev managed to secure the victory, showcasing his determination and resolve. Zverev's confidence was still growing, especially in his recovering ankle after an injury at the previous year's French Open had sidelined him for eight months.
Zverev and Sinner engaged in a grueling battle characterized by intense physical and mental challenges, as well as sweltering conditions. They engaged in fierce baseline rallies, utilizing various spin variations and occasionally approaching the net. The match was evenly contested, with both players breaking each other's serves early on, but Zverev managed to secure the first set.
Sinner, known for his powerful ball-striking, dominated the second set, taking a 3-0 lead as Zverev struggled with double faults. However, Zverev fought back, and the set ultimately went to Sinner.
The third set saw Zverev initially appear fatigued but then witnessed Sinner grappling with leg cramps, affecting his mobility on the court. Zverev capitalized on Sinner's suffering, breaking his serve twice to secure the set.
As the match extended into the early morning hours, both players showed incredible resilience. Sinner displayed exceptional recuperative abilities after summoning the physio for treatment during the fourth set. The atmosphere at Arthur Ashe Stadium took an unsettling turn when Zverev had a spectator ejected for making offensive comments related to Hitler.
The fifth and deciding set saw Zverev breaking Sinner early and showcasing his skill at the net. Despite their exhaustion, both players continued to deliver powerful groundstrokes. Zverev's net play ultimately made the difference in securing the victory.
Zverev, who reached his first major final in New York three years ago but narrowly missed the title, expressed his excitement about the opportunity to potentially reverse that heartbreak. He acknowledged the challenges they both faced due to the high humidity, with Zverev noting his unusual level of sweating and frequent changes of clothing and shoes.
Overall, Zverev's victory was a testament to his resilience and determination, setting the stage for a promising journey in the tournament.