Carlos Alcaraz is through to his first Grand Slam semi-final after prevailing over Jannik Sinner in a dramatic late-night clash at the US Open which has rewritten the record books.
A battle between the two youngest players in the world’s top 20 saw Alcaraz fight his way to a marathon 6-3, 6-7(7), 6-7(0), 7-5, 6-3, victory in what was one of the most electrifying matches to take place at Flushing Meadows in recent history. Playing on court for more than five hours, the quarter-final showdown didn’t end until 2:50 am which is the latest time a match has ever finished at the New York major. Easily beating the previous record of 2:26 am. It is also the second-longest match to have ever been played at the event.
The battle of the rising stars featured plenty of twists and turns. Best illustrated by the fact there were a staggering 41 break points with 17 of those being converted. Alcaraz managed to ride out the storm with the help of 58 winners against 37 unforced errors. In doing so he has become the youngest man to reach the semi-final stage in New York since Rafael Nadal back in 2005.
“Honestly I still don’t know how I did it. The level that I played, the level of the match and the high quality of tennis, it’s unbelievable. Jannik Sinner is a great player and his level is just amazing,” Alcaraz said afterwards.
“I will never be tired to say that all the wins that I have in this amazing court is thanks to the support I receive in the bad moments in the match.”
In what was a remarkable encounter, the 19-year-old Spaniard saw numerous opportunities come and go against Sinner who at times produced some of the best tennis he has ever played. After winning the opener, Alcaraz then had a chance to clinch the second and third frames but failed to do so. Handing his opponent a two-sets-to-one lead.
At one stage it looked as if it would be Sinner who would seal a place in his maiden major semi-final. The Italian would No.13 was a game away from victory in the fourth set and even had a match point but failed to convert. Opening the door for Alcaraz to come back with the help of a four-game winning streak.
Despite the length of their encounter, the quality of shot-making from both players didn’t decline throughout. In the decider, it was once again Sinner who had the upper hand after hitting a deep return shot which prompted Alcaraz to return the ball out. Giving him a break for 3-2. However, the lead was short-lived with Alcaraz breaking back in the following game with the help of a sinner forehand crashing into the net.
Seizing the opportunity, the third seed hit a flawless passing shot, followed by another mistake from his opponent, to break for the second time in a row. Moving him to the verge of victory. Unlike Sinner, Alcaraz managed to close out the match on his first match point with an ace. Prompting the youngster to fall to the ground out of sheer delight and exhaustion. It is the second match in the row that Alcaraz has finished after 2 am.
“I always say that you have to believe in yourself all the time. Hope is the last thing you lose and I just believed in myself,” he said.
“I had to stay in the match and try to stay calm but it is difficult to stay calm at that moment.”
Alcaraz will take on Frances Tiafoe for a place in the final after the world No.26 saw off Andrey Rublev in straight sets. In doing so he has become the first American man to reach the last four of the tournament since Andy Roddick in 2006.
“Everybody knows the level of Tiafoe. He plays very good and has a lot of confidence right now. This court (Arthur Ashe Stadium) is special to him, as well,” Alcaraz previewed of his semi-final clash.
“It’s going to be a very tough match but now I am going to enjoy this moment. I have made my first semi-final of a Grand Slam and tomorrow I will have time to think about the match.”
Should Alcaraz beat Tiafoe he would be on the verge of clinching the No.1 spot. The only scenario where he wouldn’t reach the top of the standings would be if Casper Ruud, who next plays Karen Khachanov, wins the title.
Both men’s semi-final matches will take place on Friday.
