US Open: Carlos Alcaraz averts an early challenge from Alexander Zverev to return to semi-finals in New York
Carlos Alcaraz has won 24 out of his last 25 Grand Slam matches and reached a third consecutive major semi-final after seeing off Alexander Zverev to set up a showdown with Daniil Medvedev I Watch the final Grand Slam of the year in New York - live on Sky Sports Tennis
Thursday 7 September 2023 09:04, UK
Carlos Alcaraz kept his US Open title defence on track after overcoming the challenge of Alexander Zverev to set up a semi-final meeting with third seed Daniil Medvedev.
The top-seeded Alcaraz brushed aside Zverev 6-3 6-2 6-4 and moved a step closer to becoming the first man to win consecutive titles at Flushing Meadows since Roger Federer collected five in a row from 2004-08.
He also became the second man in the Open era, behind Andre Agassi, to reach the last four at Flushing Meadows three times before turning 21.
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Zverev, the German 12th seed, has proved he is back at the top of the sport this fortnight after eight months out following the horror ankle injury he suffered against Rafael Nadal at last year's French Open.
"To see him in the quarter-finals of a Grand Slam playing at his best, I'm so happy," said Alcaraz of his opponent.
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"We enjoy his game and we are really happy to have him back."
The 20-year-old added: "I'm feeling comfortable playing in this court, playing in New York. I'm showing my best level. I'm feeling good physically and ready for a good battle in the semi-final.
"I try to make the people enjoy watching tennis. I'm trying to do different shots that probably the crowd aren't used to seeing."
How Alcaraz made the semi-finals...
On a sweltering evening the first set was evenly poised on serve at 3-3 when Alcaraz, by no means at his electric best, took control of the match.
He won six of the next seven games to go a set and a break up, and Alcaraz, clapping sawdust onto his hands to get a better grip of his racket on a horribly humid night, soon moved two sets ahead.
When Zverev needed a medical time-out, Alcaraz whiled away the time by twirling his racket at the back of the court.
Zverev forced two break points at 2-2 in the third, but when they disappeared his chances went with them as Alcaraz broke for 5-4 and served out for the victory in two hours and 29 minutes.
Medvedev next up for Alcaraz
Alcaraz will next take on 2021 champion Daniil Medvedev in the final four on Friday, and remains on course for another final showdown with Novak Djokovic, who he beat in July's epic Wimbledon showpiece.
Alcaraz holds a 2-1 career record against Medvedev, with both wins coming this year.
The Spaniard earned straight-sets victories in the final at Indian Wells and in the Wimbledon semi-finals.
The US Open on Sky Sports
Sky welcomes tennis back to its channels, adding to the existing sports portfolio and reaffirming the broadcaster as the home of live sport in the UK & Ireland.
Sky Sports' new mixed reality studio features multiple custom built LED screens, integrated light 'sabres', and an open canopy roof, making the space alive with colour and energy to reflect the vibrancy of the last Grand Slam of the year.
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With integrated AR capabilities, a versatile LED floor, and a 'fourth wall', the viewer will be transported to the Arthur Ashe Stadium in a 360-degree immersive environment. Our tennis experts will take the viewer into the eyes of the players for expert Hawkeye analysis and insight as the tournament progresses.
The technology involved allows us to add an entire new dimension and will bring customers closer to the action.
Highlights of matches will be available across Sky Sports TV and our social media platforms.
Video highlights will also be available of the Sky Sports website and app, where there will also be a daily live text commentary on the Sky Sports website and app, as well as live scores, reports, analysis and features.
