Underdog Zverev overcomes the death of the favorites and triumphs in a challenging night match

Underdog Zverev overcomes the death of the favorites and triumphs in a challenging night match

In a volatile and exhausting next showdown, Alexander Zverev has reached the quarterfinals of the US Open. He defeated Argentine Tomás Martín Etcheverry in four sets and crowned his victory with his second match point at 2:35 a.m. local time.

As the clock struck late, Hamburg’s Zverev celebrated his entry into the quarterfinals of the US Open and came a step closer to his long-awaited first Grand Slam title. Zverev defeated Argentinian Tomás Martín Etcheverry 5-7, 7-5, 6-1, 6-3 in Manhattan and crowned an impressive night in Flushing Meadows.

It wasn’t until 2:35 a.m. on Saturday that Zverev managed to convert his second match point against Etcheverry and claim his 100th victory at a Grand Slam tournament. Only one US Open match has ever ended later, the quarterfinal between Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner in 2022. With a grin, Zverev thanked the next spectators: “Thank you for staying. If I had a free Friday night in NYC, I would probably be somewhere else. He then added: “But I’m just glad I’m through.” In the Big Apple, the path to the final now seems clear, with Djokovic eliminated, making Zverev the top favorite in his half of the draw. His next opponent in the round of 16 will be American Brandon Nakashima.

Zverev started cautiously

Zverev’s match was rescheduled for 10:58 p.m. local time at Louis Armstrong Stadium, the second-largest arena at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. At first, the Tokyo Olympic champion had difficulty controlling his game with his powerful serve against world number 33 Etcheverry. Frustrated, he often cursed at his support team.

It was only in the second set that Zverev showed improvement. He had already defeated Etcheverry in the quarterfinals of the 2023 French Open in four sets and maintained control of the match after the middle of the third set and through the fourth set. Zverev fended off three break points at 2:3 in the final set and did not give in.

Determined to finally win his first Grand Slam title, Zverev had already lost twice in the same round at the 2020 US Open to Dominic Thiem and had recently reached the semifinals of the Cincinnati Masters. With his win against Etcheverry, Zverev secured his 55th win of the season and leads the tour.

In the second set of his match, Zverev found his rhythm and showed improved play. Later, after his win against Etcheverry, Zverev mentioned his appreciation for the crowd next door, saying that if he had a free evening in New York City, he might be somewhere else, but he was happy to be ahead.

After a difficult start in the match, Zverev switched to tennis and defeated Etcheverry in a foursome

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