Stunning Alcaraz makes statement win over Zverev at US Open, will face Medvedev at semifinal

Carlos Alcaraz stormed past Alexander Zverev, defeating him 6-3, 6-2, 6-4 to secure a spot in the US Open semifinals. He will now face Daniil Medvedev.

Alcaraz and Zverev faced each other for the sixth time in their careers, with 'Sascha' holding a 3-2 h2h advantage. The German made a surprising run in the Round of 16, defeating the 6th seed Jannik Sinner 6-4, 3-6, 6-2, 4-6, 6-3, and secured his spot in the top-10 after more than 9 months.

Alcaraz didn't encounter too many difficulties on his path to the quarterfinals, facing only one player ranked within the top 60 (Dan Evans, 26th seed), and he only dropped one set along the way, against the same British player.

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Zverev's impressive performance in the tournament had positioned him as a strong contender against the defending champion. However, the match was dominated by the Spanish player.

The early games were closely contested, with both players holding their serves without conceding break points to their opponent. In the seventh game, the German had the first two opportunities to break but couldn't capitalize on them, and Alcaraz held his serve.

The World No. 1 found his first chance in the following game and immediately secured a break, confirming the first set with an impeccable service game: 6-3.

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Both players recorded 7 winners and were nearly equal in unforced errors, with 12 for Alcaraz and 13 for Zverev. The Spaniard made the most of his net approaches at crucial moments in the set and disoriented 'Sascha' with several drop shots.

The 2020 US Open finalist began to show signs of physical decline and lost his serve in the third game in favor of 'Carlitos.' Capitalizing on his advantage, Alcaraz held his serve and claimed another break in the seventh game to ultimately win the set 6-2.

While they were evenly matched in first-serve percentage (64% for Alcaraz, 65% for Zverev), the Spaniard gained an edge in effectiveness, winning 88% of points with his first serve and 44% with his second, well above the German's 71% and 11%, respectively.

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World No. 12 hardly moved in the final game, and the score stood at 2-0 in favor of Alcaraz. Zverev requested a toilet break and went backstage, returning minutes later to contest the third set.

In the third set, Zverev came in more focused and had several break opportunities, but Alcaraz performed better in crucial points and held his service throughout the set. With the score tied at 4-4, Alcaraz secured the break on his first set point, converting 4 out of 4 break points.

Finally, 'Carlitos' held his service and clinched the victory with a score of 6-3, 6-2, 6-4. Waiting for him in the semifinals is world No. 3 Daniil Medvedev, who defeated his fellow Russian Andrey Rublev 6-4, 6-3, 6-4 in the quarterfinals.