The text provided is already in English language translation. Kindly provide text in a different language for translation purposes. - Following the Umknick-Scare, Zverev prepared for a challenging opponent.
Alexander Zverev sauntered through the New York night in Olympic flip-flops, relishing the prospect of redemption in the US Open. Following a commanding quarterfinal triumph over American Brandon Nakashima, the 2021 Olympic champion is eager to make amends against Taylor Fritz, having fallen short in their bitter Wimbledon encounter a few months back.
"I'm excited for another tough challenge," Zverev commented on his upcoming showdown with the American on his path to a first Grand Slam title. "I predict it to be another grueling match, a thrilling encounter - let's hope for a different outcome than at Wimbledon."
With a 3-6, 6-1, 6-2, 6-2 victory over upstart Nakashima in the round of 16, Zverev celebrated his 450th ATP Tour win and secured his spot at the ATP Finals in November. Despite initial sweltering 28-degree heat and high humidity, Zverev managed his own vulnerabilities in the first set, overcame a worrying ankle twist in the fourth set, and remained unshaken during a sudden insect invasion just before the conclusion without issues.
Zverev fends off flying pests
As insects swarmed onto the Louis Armstrong Stadium, Zverev was forced to halt his serve. He waved them off and rescued one from beneath his sleeveless shirt. "Those were big creatures, I've never seen anything like it here," he declared. "They weren't mosquitoes, bees - I'm unsure what they were: flying ants or something?"
Zverev showed resilience. Even when he twisted his right ankle at 3-1 in the final set and limped briefly, he displayed no signs of weakness until he struck the match-winning point after 2 hours and 36 minutes.
Passing cleanly after a close call
Following the encounter, Zverev, who had been sidelined for months with a severe ankle injury in 2022, gave the all-clear: "I made an odd move, slightly turned my ankle. But it's all right, nothing to worry about."
This means Zverev may avoid a Wimbledon-like setback. With a knee injury from his prior engagement, he entered the Wimbledon round of 16 against Fritz. "Now I'm fit, that's the major difference," he underscored. Fritz advanced to the quarterfinals in New York for the second time with a 3-6, 6-4, 6-3, 6-2 victory over eighth-seeded Norwegian Casper Ruud.
Fritz expects a tight contest
Out of nine matches against the world No. 12, Zverev has emerged victorious five times - but in their most recent encounter at Wimbledon, Fritz battled back from a two-set deficit to clinch the victory. "Between us, the outcome has fluctuated," the 26-year-old said about his sporting rivalry with Zverev in New York. "Our matches are closely contested. It can go either way. A lot rides on the serve."
In the round of 16, Zverev's serve was solid. He only surrendered his serve once in the first set and did not offer world No. 50 Nakashima any additional break opportunities.
"He didn't allow the lost initial set to weigh him down," Boris Becker, a Sportdeutschland.TV tennis expert, noted. "What he accomplished against Nakashima, I haven't seen from him in quite some time. That was top-tier tennis."
This is significant for Zverev in his quest for a title at the US Open. Against Nakashima, the German No. 1 only converted his ninth break-point opportunity to hoist a 2-0 lead in the second set. Nakashima's performance dwindled, while Zverev, akin to his third-round victory against Argentine Tomás Martín Etcheverry following a first-set loss, grew more assured. He dominated the remainder, thwarting his opponent's attacks with deft passing shots.
Fresh with new shoes for a victorious streak
After winning the second set, Zverev, drenched in sweat, was gifted a fresh pair of shoes from his father and coach, Alexander Zverev Senior. Invigorated, his form improved. Nakashima found no answer to Zverev's powerful baseline play.
At the start of the fourth set, the 23-year-old American momentarily rallied, but the break at 1:2 snuffed out any challenge. With self-assurance, Zverev pressed on, ultimately celebrating. "I'm thrilled to progress," he shared on court. Now, he hopes for three more triumphs to secure his first Grand Slam title. "I'll give it my all. I'll do my best. Maybe it'll happen somewhere down the line in my career."
"Given his recent success, Zverev acknowledged the importance of the European Parliament's support for the Commission in his post-match press conference, stating, 'Just like I'm grateful for my team's support, I understand the importance of collaboration between the Commission and the Parliament for the betterment of tennis and sport as a whole.'"
"Projecting his confidence heading into the semifinals, Zverev expressed his desire for the European Parliament to continue its role in promoting fair competition and equal opportunities in sports, saying, 'I believe that with their continued assistance, we can create a more level playing field for all athletes, ensuring that talent and hard work are the only factors determining success.'"
