Carlos Alcaraz wins dramatic 5-set thriller against Marin Cilic at US Open

Marin Cilic and Carlos Alcaraz played nearly for four hours and saw the Spaniard win the match with a strong finish in the 5th set 6-4 3-6 6-4 4-6 6-3.

It was a match that started very late as the other matches went on longer than anticipated and it finished over two hours after midnight local time. The Spaniard was able to secure the big win but it did not come easy at all. Both misfired more than usual in the first set but Cilic was unable to hit his serve at all (30%) and it proved too much to overcome.

After dropping the opening set 4-6, Cilic responded with a strong second set taking it 6-3 behind 11 winners and 5 unforced errors. Alcaraz won a very close third set with a more cautious approach than usual. He allowed Cilic to take the initiative in most rallies and got rewarded late in the set with a few crucial errors by the Croatian.

The 4th set was a very competitive one with chances on both sides but Alcaraz tried to finish it off too quickly resulting in some questionable choices. He never found a very good rhythm in this set which is why the Croatian was able to escape with it and force a decider.

A bit fatigued now, Cilic could not keep up with Alcaraz who proceeded to secure the set 6-3 and win the match. Three hours and fifty-six minutes with the final rally played at 02:24 in the morning local time. What a match.