Zverev advances to the quarter-finals despite having a subpar squad.
Initially struggle, ultimately triumph: Alexander Zverev reaches US Open quarterfinals, recovering from a rocky start, close call, and fly invasion. Eventually, he's in a jovial mood about his family.
Dressed casually in flip-flops, Alexander Zverev, beaming after his impressive quarterfinal victory at the US Open, wandered from one interview to another. His partnership with his father and brother? "Complete disaster," Zverev quipped in Flushing Meadows, then clarified, "It's going exceptionally well. I'm currently the world number four, so it's all good."
And it's not just that. Since last Sunday, he's ranked among the top eight in New York, marking his fourth consecutive appearance in this elite group. His long-awaited first Grand Slam title is looking more attainable than ever. "I'm content with the quality of my tennis," Zverev stated after his dominant 3-6, 6-1, 6-2, 6-2 victory against the overmatched American Brandon Nakashima in the round of 16. It was his 450th triumph on the ATP Tour.
Yet, he's still missing that single success in a Grand Slam final, a goal he's been pursuing for years. In his 35th attempt, the time may be right following the elimination of top-ranked players Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz. Three more victories separate him from triumph, but Zverev, the Tokyo Olympics champion, isn't focusing on that just yet. "I only have Taylor Fritz in mind."
A score to settle with the next competitor
And Fritz is a competitor with whom Zverev has unfinished business. About two months earlier, he lost to the world number 12 while injured in the Wimbledon quarterfinals. "There are no easy matches now," Zverev warned, looking forward to some "entertaining" play against Fritz on Tuesday.
He provided such entertainment for the spectators in the Louis Armstrong Stadium. Against Nakashima, he had a poor start, but then significantly improved despite bothersome (giant) flies and a slight turn of his right foot in the fourth set. "My foot is fine," Zverev assured after the match.
In the form he displayed in the final three sets, which he was "very happy" with, Zverev is challenging to defeat in New York. Even tennis legend Boris Becker saw "elite-level tennis" from Zverev on Sportdeutschland.TV.
In 2020, he was just two points away from victory in New York before suffering one of the most disappointing defeats of his career against Dominic Thiem. "I'm still highly motivated. I still want to achieve my dreams," Zverev declared after his 56th win of the season. No one on the tour has surpassed this number. Following the US Open, he'll likely return to the top three in the world rankings, and he's already qualified for the ATP Finals in Turin in mid-November.
He anticipates a "taxing" battle against Fritz and hopes for a "different conclusion" than at Wimbledon in early July. As always, he'll rely on the "disastrous" support of his coach and father, Alexander Senior, and his brother, Mischa.
After his triumph in the US Open quarterfinals, Alexander Zverev expressed his excitement about continuing his success in the sports world, saying, "I'm on a roll right now, and I'm looking forward to the challenges ahead in the world of sports." Later, discussing his upcoming match against Taylor Fritz, he acknowledged the significance of sports, stating, "This is a crucial match for me in the sports world, and I'm ready to give it my all."
