New York, Sep 8 : Carlos Alcaraz outlasted Jannik Sinner 6-3, 6-7(7), 6-7(0) 7-5 7-5, in an epic five-hour and 15-minute quarter-final, advancing to the semi-finals of US Open 2022, here.The classic quarterfinal match between Alcaraz and Sinner ended at 0250 hours on Wednesday night, and it became the second longest game in US Open history.
Prior to this match the longest end in US Open history was 0226 hours, which happened three times.The longest-running match in the history of the tournament was in the semi-finals of 1992 featuring Stefan Edberg and Michael Chang which lasted for 5 hours 26 mins.
The Spaniard saved match point at 5-4 in the fourth set, and was able to keep his hopes of becoming the youngest World No.1.in the history of the ATP Rankings next Monday.The 19-year-old tennis player, who with the win has qualified to play in the ATP Finals for the first time, will play American Frances Tiafoe on Friday in the semi-finals.
“Honestly I do not know the way I managed it.You must be confident in yourself.I was confident in my abilities,” said Alcaraz, who signed autographs for fans in spite of the late hours and threw his sneakers at the crowd.
“It was really hard to finish the game.I tried to remain at peace, but it’s difficult right now,” he added.
The fans at Arthur Ashe Stadium arrived for the tennis game on Wednesday night.When the clock went off at midnight, the match had turned into a fight of the heavyweights.
After more than two hours the two men were still pounding the ball with unstoppable force, and displayed amazing speed and agility to deter the attacks of one another.
While there was a lot of skill displayed in the game, but there was also determination and courage.
Both men did not want to lose, however only one could advance.The intensity was so high that the match could be remembered as being the event in when Alcaraz and Sinner emerged of the shadow of the “Big Three” era.
The fourth ATP Head to Head match did not disappoint and was more than an ATP quarter-final.Alcaraz was beaten twice to Sinner in the last three months, evened their match at 2-2 with the 58 winners, compared to only 38 errors that were not forced.
Alcaraz was unable to capitalize on opportunities to prevail in the second and third sets.This almost was fatal.
The 19-year-old slipped five set points in the second set, and was unable to play the third set.
The teen spit out haymaker after haymaker to place himself in the winning position in both sets however Sinner often fell off the ropes, then swung back with force.These moments were more focused on the things Alcaraz did wrong and more about the things Sinner did well and was able to do well, as he increased his intensity and frequently hit highlight reel shots.
The Italian played a stunning third-set tie-break, in which he took 7/0 to win, momentum was clearly in his favor.
A quick break in the fourth set was a boon to his cause.Alcaraz was able to break back once but then quickly lost that advantage when he landed an error double to let go of his momentum.
Sinner who had 11 double faults in the match, was served to secure his spot in the semi-finals with a 5-4 score in the fourth set.While his serve helped the player out of some difficulties, Alcaraz never went away and fought back to the same level.
The 21-year-old Sinner had the lead after an early break in the fifth set but Alcaraz was able to come back, continuing to explode with his incredible power from the base.The Spaniard won the last four sets of the match to progress.
With his win, Alcaraz became the youngest Grand Slam men’s semifinalist since Rafael Nadal, 19, at the 2005 Roland Garros.He is also the youngest US Open men’s semifinalist since Pete Sampras, 19, in 1990.
“It’s difficult to talk about this because I ended the match not too long ago.It was a great match for me and his side.It was possible to be finished in three sets.be finished in four sets.or be finished in five sets.The level was high.” Sinner said.
“At some point , I did not serve well however he was returning with a good performance.It was a great game.The crowd was obviously good.For me, it was only the second occasion on Ashe.It was a good match, I’m sure of it.But it was a difficult one.” he added.
