- Self-assured in the quarterfinals, Zverev advances smoothly at the US Open
With the crowd roaring in approval, Alexander Zverev spoke following his straightforward entry into the US Open's quarterfinals. Sharing his ambitious aspiration of clinching his debut Grand Slam trophy, Zverev revealed his excitement. For the fourth consecutive time, this year's Olympic tennis champion, Zverev, made it to the US Open's round of 16, overpowering American Brandon Nakashima 3-6, 6-1, 6-2, 6-2.
Initially battling against the scorching heat at 28 degrees and high humidity, Zverev encountered some challenges in the initial set against the dark horse. Despite the difficulties, he managed to secure his first match point after an exhausting 2 hours and 36 minutes, subsequently marking his 450th triumph on the ATP Tour.
Prepared to march on, Zverev optimistically stated, "I began quite defensively during the match. I'm thrilled to have progressed. I'm doing everything in my power, aiming for the best, hoping it happens sometime during my career."
Marred by a minor hamstring twist and a brief limp at 3-1 in the fourth set, Zverev managed to defeat Nakashima without incurring any significant injury or hindrance.
In the upcoming quarterfinals, Zverev will face American Taylor Fritz for the second time this season, having previously lost to him in the Wimbledon round of 16. Triumphantly, Fritz eliminated eighth-seeded Norwegian Casper Ruud 3-6, 6-4, 6-3, 6-2, making his way to the New York quarterfinals for the second time.
Though Zverev holds a 5-4 advantage in their past matches, the American notably snatched victory in their recent encounter at Wimbledon, where he erased a two-set deficit to emerge triumphant. "There's always a constant back-and-forth between us," reflected the 26-year-old on his sporting clash with Zverev. "We have close encounters. The outcome can swing either way, often dependent on our serves."
Zverev's dominating serve
In the round of 16, Zverev started with a string of commanding service games until once he faltered at 3-4, conceding the first break after a series of botched backhand shots and a double fault. Frustrated, Zverev angrily directed his displeasure towards his entourage in the stands.
The contingent was reinvigorated by the spirited "Let's Go, Brandon" chants from the audience, who rallied behind the American. Following a 45-minute struggle, Nakashima clinched the first set and continued to energize the crowd.
Maintaining a steady pace, Zverev executed a between-the-legs shot to delight the crowd at the onset of the second set, but the contest remained in equilibrium with numerous errors. Leveraging an errant backhand from his opponent, Zverev seized a 2-0 lead.
Post the first set, Nakashima began to falter, while Zverev displayed renewed confidence, just as he had in the third round against Argentine Tomás Martín Etcheverry. He assumed command, outmaneuvering Nakashima's challenges with precise passing shots.
A novice pair of shoes claimed by his father and coach, Alexander Zverev Sr., revitalized Zverev after the second set. Steadfastly, he stumped Nakashima's attempts to counteract his powerful baseline game.
As the fourth set commenced, the 23-year-old American showed flashes of resilience, yet any resistance was promptly shattered at the mercy of a break at 1-2. With unwavering self-assurance, Zverev continued his dominance, finally securing his well-deserved victory.
After his victorious performance at the US Open, Zverev expressed his aspirations of winning his first Grand Slam trophy at Wimbledon next year. Despite facing tough competition, Zverev is optimistic about his chances, citing their close encounters and the unpredictable nature of their matches.
Facing Taylor Fritz in the quarterfinals of Wimbledon, Zverev reflected on their past matches, particularly their historic encounter where Fritz erased a two-set deficit to emerge victorious. With a 5-4 advantage in their past encounters, the outcome between these two top players is always uncertain.
