It's 1:39 a.m. inside Arthur Ashe Stadium, and the crowd is still buzzing with energy. In this late-night spectacle, Alexander Zverev has just etched his name in the annals of the 2023 US Open with an epic victory over Jannik Sinner. The match lasted four hours and 41 minutes, making it the longest and latest finish of the tournament.
A Battle of Grit and Stamina
The clash between Zverev, the No. 12 seed, and Sinner, the No. 6 seed, was a true test of endurance and determination. It was a battle of attrition, where mental fortitude and physical stamina were pushed to the limits.
The Opening Set: A Glimpse of Things to Come
The first set set the tone for what would be an unforgettable night of tennis. Six consecutive games went to deuce as Sinner and Zverev engaged in lengthy baseline rallies. The match reached the one-hour mark with the score tied at 4-4 in the first set. It was at this crucial juncture that Zverev made his move.
With the precision of a surgeon, Zverev struck a backhand volley and followed it up with a backhand baseline winner to secure a crucial break. The German wrapped up the set in the next game with back-to-back aces. The crowd erupted in applause, recognizing the intensity and quality of the tennis they were witnessing.
Sinner's Fightback: The Second Set
Sinner, not one to back down, immediately regrouped in the second set. He quickly broke Zverev, storming out to a 3-0 advantage. The Italian's powerful shots and agility allowed him to maintain his lead. However, the humidity on court and the sheer physicality required to win points against the relentless Zverev began to take its toll on Sinner.
Between points, Sinner began to point to his right quad and moved at a slower pace. Despite these visible signs of fatigue, he managed to keep the points short on his own serve. Sinner fired an ace on his first set point, leveling the match at one set each. It was clear that this battle would not be decided easily.
Zverev's Surge: The Third Set
The third set was a turning point, and not in favor of Sinner. At 2-2, Sinner experienced a full cramp in his lower left leg, causing him to briefly stop play. Zverev, recognizing the opportunity, took full advantage of his opponent's reduced movement.
Zverev extended the rallies, forcing Sinner to try to end points early from low-percentage positions. It was a masterclass in strategy and execution. Zverev went on a four-game run to take a commanding advantage, striking a forehand winner on set point that prompted an audible gasp from the Arthur Ashe Stadium crowd.
The Fourth Set Drama
Sinner, ever the fighter, refused to surrender. He took a medical timeout for treatment on his legs, and although the physio provided some relief, it was short-lived. Zverev opened the fourth set with a marathon 15-minute game, holding serve. But as the match surpassed the three-hour mark, it was Zverev's turn to struggle.
While Sinner coasted through his service games in the fourth set, Zverev found himself forced to deuce in most of his service games. The pivotal moment of the set came at 4-4 when Zverev hit a costly double fault, handing a break to Sinner. The Italian comfortably held in the next game to force a deciding set.
A Fifth-Set Showdown
In the fifth and final set, it was Zverev who displayed resilience and determination. He broke Sinner in the second game after the Italian gifted a forehand unforced error. The crowd was treated to an extraordinary display of tennis as both players left everything on the court.
Zverev literally brought Sinner to the ground in the next game, crushing a forehand to hold serve in a 20-point game that earned both players a standing ovation. In serving out the match, Zverev escaped a 15-30 situation and sealed the deal with a big first serve, letting out a cry of delight. His final statistics showed 56 winners to 46 errors, winning a total of 166 points compared to Sinner's 155.
Zverev's Resurgence
This victory signaled that Zverev was back to the level that took him within one game of winning the US Open title three years ago. It was also his second consecutive victory against a Top 10 player, a remarkable feat considering his 0-8 record against such players earlier this year.
Zverev's journey to this point has been marked by resilience and determination. He returned to action in January after missing the second half of the previous year with torn ligaments in his right ankle—an injury sustained during his Roland Garros semifinal with Rafael Nadal. While his results were modest at the beginning of the year, he has come alive in the past three months. He's gone 26-6 since the start of Roland Garros, reaching the semifinals in Paris and Cincinnati, and capturing a title on home soil in Hamburg.
The Path Forward
Zverev's next challenge is a blockbuster quarterfinal matchup with top seed and defending champion Carlos Alcaraz. Zverev leads their head-to-head 3-2 and has won both of their previous meetings on hard courts in 2021. However, Alcaraz dominated their most recent encounter in Madrid, dropping just three games to defeat Zverev.
In a post-match interview, Zverev acknowledged the upcoming test against Alcaraz, stating, "It's obviously going to be one of the toughest matches for me, and I need to recover, that's for sure."
With this remarkable victory, Alexander Zverev not only advanced in the tournament but also showcased his unwavering determination and physical prowess. Tennis fans can look forward to more thrilling action as the 2023 US Open unfolds. Zverev's marathon triumph is a testament to the enduring spirit of athletes who never give up, no matter how late the hour or how tough the competition.
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