Alexander Zverev reached the quarter-finals of the US Open as he defeated Italy’s Luciano Darderi in straight sets on Monday.
The top-seeded German cruised through the opening two sets before fending off a Darderi fightback in the third to win 6-2 6-2 7-6(3).
It would mark the first time Zverev has finished a match before midnight in New York this tournament having played four successive night-session matches, including two five-setters.
The 2020 finalist, who has previously finished games at times of 1:55am, 2:15am and 1:09am, was able to see the funny side of a rare early night at 11.48pm.
“I don’t know what to do with myself, because it’s before midnight,” said Zverev. “I might go to a practice court, or a bar… that was a joke, so relax. I’m feeling happy, compared to the first two matches the level has been going up.”
Zverev is the only man to reach the quarter-finals of all four Grand Slams this year and will now face Botic van de Zandschulp in the final four following the Dutchman’s win over lucky loser Arthur Gea.
“I thought that my level was consistent, but he started incredibly well in third set,” Zverev added of his performance.
“I barely saw anyone hit so hard so consistently. He made it very difficult for me. I’m happy to be in the quarter-finals and playing this way.”
Next opponent Van de Zandschulp had denied France’s world No 87 Gea the chance to become the first lucky loser to reach a Grand Slam quarter-final in a 3-6 6-7 (0-7) 7-6 (9-7) 7-6 (7-3) 6-4 win lasting five hours and 13 minutes.
“I think he’s an impressive player,” said Zverev of Van de Zandschulp. “I think this might be his favourite tournament in the world, because I think he made a few quarter-finals here before. Obviously he knows how to play well on these courts, and I look forward to having a tough battle.”
Blockx reaches last eight
Belgium’s Alexander Blockx meanwhile fought through injury to beat Argentina’s Francisco Cerundolo and reach his first Grand Slam quarter-final.
The 28th seed clinched a 6-3 4-6 7-5 7-5 victory before admitting he considered retiring hurt due to a rib issue.
“It was really tough from the beginning of the match. I was struggling a lot, especially while serving. It kept getting worse throughout the match,” said the 21-year-old.
“I was really close to retiring, to be honest. I was just hanging in there, but if I would have lost the third set, I think the chances were really high of me retiring.
“I’m glad that I kept on playing.”
He will now play Karen Khachanov after the Russian’s 7-5, 4-6, 6-7 (6), 6-1, 6-4 win over the USA’s Learner Tien.
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