Alexander Zverev has described his latest win at the US Open as one of the best of his career after ousting Italy’s Jannik Sinner in a thrilling encounter that lasted almost five hours.
Zverev, who reached the final in Flushing Meadows back in 2021, prevailed 6-4, 3-6, 6-2, 4-6, 6-3, in a match that didn’t conclude until 1:39am. It is the first time in his career that he has beaten a top 10 player at a hardcourt Grand Slam. Overall, he has now reached 10 major quarter-finals in his career which is the second-highest tally among German players on the ATP Tour after Boris Becker (23).
The marathon encounter on Arthur Ashe Stadium featured a total of 106 winners with 56 of those coming from Zverev. Overall, he hit 16 aces and won 70% of his first service points.
“I guess I can say I’m back,” Zverev said during his on-court interview. “This is exactly what I live for. This is what I love to do… playing at 1:30am, in front of a packed crowd in Arthur Ashe Stadium. It doesn’t get any better. This is one of the best moments of my career.”
Whilst relishing in victory, controversy occurred during the fourth set which resulted in a member of the crowd having to be removed by security. At 2-2, Zverev complained to umpire James Keothavong after hearing a fan shout what he described as “the most famous Hitler phrase there is.”
“He just said the most famous Hitler phrase there is in this world,” the German stated, “It’s not acceptable. It’s unbelievable.”
With the help of other fans nearby, security officials managed to locate the individual and eject him from the stands. It has also been claimed since that this person was also singing a Nazi song but Ubitennis is unable to confirm this.
Awaiting the 26-year-old in the last eight will be top seed and defending champion Carlos Alcaraz who beat Italy’s Matteo Arnaldi in straight sets. He leads their head-to-head 3-2 but lost their most recent match 6-1, 6-2, in Madrid.
“We’ve played great matches. He’s playing really, really well. This year he’s finding his top level again,” Alcaraz said of his upcoming opponent.
The quarter-final showdown will take place on Wednesday.
