fajar-ramadhan
Alexander Zverev took a commanding step toward capturing his second career Grand Slam championship on Wednesday, dispatching Dutchman Botic van de Zandschulp in straight sets at Flushing Meadows. The German top seed delivered a composed and authoritative performance to seal a 6-2, 7-5, 6-1 victory, securing his place in the final four of the US Open.
The comprehensive quarterfinal triumph on Arthur Ashe Stadium sets up a high-stakes semifinal showdown against Russia’s Karen Khachanov. With his latest victory, Zverev continues to build momentum in New York after overcoming a tentative start to the fortnight, gradually refining his hard-court timing and rhythm as the tournament progresses toward its decisive weekend.
At 29 years old, the reigning French Open champion occupies a unique and advantageous position as the business end of the tournament approaches. Following a series of dramatic upsets and early exits across the draw, Zverev stands as the sole remaining men's player in the field who has previously hoisted a Grand Slam singles trophy.
Beyond keeping his title hopes firmly alive, Wednesday’s win also etched Zverev’s name into the record books of German tennis. The quarterfinal victory marked his 23rd Grand Slam match win of the current season, enabling him to surpass the previous national men’s record of 22 major victories in a single calendar year, which was established by Boris Becker in 1989.
The achievement underscores a remarkable level of consistency across the sport's biggest stages throughout the year. By booking his ticket to the last four in New York, Zverev completed a clean sweep of reaching the semifinals at all four Grand Slam tournaments in a single season, reinforcing his status as the most dependable performer at the majors.
Despite the lopsided final scoreline, the match began on uneven footing for the top seed. Zverev struggled to find his service rhythm during the opening exchanges on the stadium court, producing five double faults during an erratic and tense beginning that could have put him in early jeopardy.
However, Van de Zandschulp was unable to capitalize on his opponent's early service woes. The Dutch player faltered from the baseline, leaking crucial forehand errors that relieved the pressure on Zverev. Capitalizing on those miscues, the German secured a pivotal service break in the fifth game before accelerating through the remainder of the opening set to take it 6-2.
The second set proved to be the most competitive stretch of the contest, as Van de Zandschulp managed to regroup and mount a sustained challenge. The Dutchman increased his aggression and pushed Zverev deep behind the baseline, coming dangerously close to leveling the match at one set apiece as the pressure mounted.
Faced with a genuine threat to his lead, Zverev demonstrated the poise and resilience that have defined his season. The German absorbed his opponent's heaviest hitting, raised his defensive intensity, and rattled off three consecutive games in the closing stages of the set to snatch a crucial 7-5 advantage, effectively breaking the Dutchman's resistance.
With total control of the contest established, Zverev wasted no time pressing his advantage in the third set. A decisive overhead smash earned him an early break of serve, allowing the 2020 US Open runner-up to dictate play from the front and cruise through the final set 6-1 to reach his third career semifinal in New York.
Reflecting on his progression through the tournament, Zverev acknowledged that his path to the penultimate round had required considerable grit and patience after a difficult opening week at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center.
“I think you saw in the first two rounds, I really didn’t play well,” Zverev said following the match. “In other tournaments I would be out in the first round, but here I can fight back and play best of five sets, play four-and-a-half hours. I’ve started playing better throughout the tournament and I’m definitely happy to be in the semifinals here.”
The German star also highlighted the necessity of staying grounded despite his impressive statistical accomplishments and favored status in the draw, noting how quickly fortunes can fluctuate at the highest level of professional tennis.
“I don’t take it for granted at all,” Zverev said when assessing his semifinal run. “I know it can change in a heartbeat in tennis. I think confidence is something that is incredibly important but also can go away quite quickly.”
Zverev will now prepare for an intriguing clash with Khachanov, reviving memories of their Olympic gold medal encounter at the Tokyo Games in 2021. With a potential second major crown in sight, Zverev will aim to maintain his elevated level of play and convert his deep run into another Grand Slam final appearance.
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