Underdog Zverev Overpowers Favorites' Demise and Triumphs in Challenging Night Game
In a volatile and exhausting late-night showdown, Alexander Zverev progresses to the US Open's round of 16. He beats Argentine Tomás Martín Etcheverry in four sets, sealing the deal at 2:35 AM local time with his second match point.
As the clock struck late, Hamburg native Zverev celebrated his round of 16 entry at the US Open and moved a step closer to his coveted first Grand Slam title. Zverev conquered the resilient Argentine Tomás Martín Etcheverry 5-7, 7-5, 6-1, 6-3 in Manhattan, wrapping up a remarkable evening at Flushing Meadows.
It took until 2:35 AM on Saturday for Zverev to convert his second match point against Etcheverry, securing his 100th victory at a major tournament. Only one US Open match has ever finished later, the 2022 quarterfinal between Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner. With a grin, Zverev thanked the late-night spectators: "Thanks for sticking around. If I had a free Friday night in NYC, I'd probably be somewhere else." He then added, "But I'm just glad to be through." In the Big Apple, the path to the final now seems clear, with Djokovic out, Zverev emerges as top seed in his half of the draw. His next opponent in the round of 16 will be American Brandon Nakashima.
Zverev falters early on
Zverev's match was delayed until 10:58 PM local time in the Louis Armstrong Stadium, the second-largest arena at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. Initially, the Tokyo Olympics champion misfired numerous times against the world No. 33 Etcheverry, finding it difficult to set the agenda with his powerful serve. Frustration set in as he often cursed towards his support crew.
It was only during the second set that Zverev started demonstrating an improvement. He had already defeated Etcheverry in four sets during the Roland Garros 2023 quarterfinals and took control of the match after mid-third set and through the fourth set. Zverev saved three break points at 2:3 in the final set, never looking back.
Determined to finally conquer his first Grand Slam title, Zverev had faced defeat twice at the same juncture in the US Open in 2020, to Dominic Thiem, and more recently, reached the semifinals at the Cincinnati Masters. With his triumph against Etcheverry, Zverev clinched his 55th victory for the year, leading all players on the tour.
In the second set of his match, Zverev began to find his rhythm, demonstrating improved play. Later, during his victory against Etcheverry, Zverev mentioned his appreciation for the late-night spectators, expressing that if he had a free night in New York City, he might have spent it elsewhere, but he was glad to be through.
After struggling early in the match, Zverev switched to tennis gear and defeated Etcheverry in a four-set match, showcasing his prowess on the tennis court.
