Carlos Alcaraz, often hailed as the next big sensation in men’s tennis, is further solidifying his standing on the Grand Slam circuit. Holding the mantle as the top seed, Alcaraz is confidently navigating his US Open title defense, putting on a masterful display of technique, swiftness, and determination. With every match, he underscores his legitimacy not only as a top contender for this title but also as a potential torchbearer for many Grand Slam victories down the line.
His recent face-off with Germany’s premier player, Alexander Zverev, speaks volumes of Alcaraz’s rapid ascent in the tennis echelons. This match was nothing less than a heavyweight bout, with both athletes bringing their best to the revered New York courts. However, it was Alcaraz who clinched victory, utilizing his hallmark aggressive baseline rallies coupled with astute strategy. The prodigious Spaniard’s display was unequivocally captivating, serving an unambiguous notice to the tennis fraternity: he’s in New York on a mission to retain his crown.
Marching Towards the Finals
Just two victories away from holding onto his US Open title, Alcaraz’s next challenge is a semi-final clash with the 2021 champion, Daniil Medvedev. And if things go according to script, a thrilling encounter with the world’s number one, Novak Djokovic, awaits in the grand finale.
Alcaraz’s love for the courts in New York isn’t a hidden affair. As he aptly puts it:
“I’m very, very comfortable playing in this court, playing here in New York. I am showing my best level here,” Alcaraz commented.
Drawing a contrast with the previous year, the Spanish prodigy remarked on his physical condition and the fewer grueling matches he’s had to play this time around.
“Last year was very tough, since the fourth round I played five sets [to get to the final]. Here I’ve played just one match that has gone to four sets. I feel great physically and I’m ready to play a great battle with Medvedev in the semi-finals,” Alcaraz noted.
Zverev’s Efforts
Zverev tried valiantly to match Alcaraz’s power-packed performance. However, the combined effect of the Spaniard’s agility, diverse play, and energy level tilted the match in Alcaraz’s favor. The young German player’s recent five-set marathon match against Jannik Sinner, which spanned nearly five hours, could have played a role in his performance against Alcaraz.
Alcaraz vs. Zverev: A Statistical Breakdown
The US Open quarter-final between Carlos Alcaraz and Alexander Zverev was not just a thrilling spectacle for tennis enthusiasts but also a game of numbers. Delving into the match’s statistics offers a clearer understanding of how Alcaraz secured his victory and the areas where Zverev struggled. Let’s dissect the match through its numbers.
| Metric | Carlos Alcaraz (1) | Alexander Zverev (12) |
| SCORE | ||
| Sets Won | 3 | 0 |
| Set 1 | 6 | 3 |
| Set 2 | 6 | 2 |
| Set 3 | 6 | 4 |
| SERVICE | ||
| Aces | 3 | 6 |
| Double Faults | 3 | 4 |
| 1st Serve Percentage | 57% | 68% |
| 1st Serve Points Won | 76% (42/55) | 73% (38/52) |
| 2nd Serve Points Won | 57% (24/42) | 28% (7/25) |
| Break Points Saved | 100% (5/5) | 0% (0/4) |
| RETURN | ||
| 1st Return Points Won | 27% (14/52) | 24% (13/55) |
| 2nd Return Points Won | 72% (18/25) | 43% (18/42) |
| Break Points Converted | 100% (4/4) | 0% (0/5) |
| POINTS | ||
| Winners | 29 | 22 |
| Unforced Errors | 34 | 35 |
| Net Points Won | 80% (28/35) | 43% (9/21) |
| Max Points In Row | 8 | 5 |
| Service Points Won | 68% (65/96) | 58% (45/77) |
| Return Points Won | 42% (32/77) | 32% (31/96) |
| Total Points Won | 56% (97/173) | 44% (76/173) |
| GAMES | ||
| Max Games In Row | 3 | 1 |
| Service Games Won | 100% (14/14) | 69% (9/13) |
| Return Games Won | 31% (4/13) | 0% (0/14) |
| Total Games Won | 67% (18/27) | 33% (9/27) |
| OTHER STATS | ||
| Distance Covered (metres) | 2578 | 2536 |
The table showcases the brilliance of Alcaraz in crucial moments, especially when it came to converting and saving break points. The figures also shed light on Zverev’s challenges during the match, particularly his struggles on the second serve.
Alcaraz’s Impressive Track Record
Alcaraz’s journey at the Grand Slams has been nothing short of remarkable. Reflecting on his past performances:
- He boasts an impressive 24-1 scoreline in his last four Grand Slam appearances.
- His only miss came at this year’s Australian Open due to an injury.
- For the season, his record stands at an impressive 58 wins against just 6 losses.
An Interesting Stat: Best Grand Slam Starts among World No. 1s
| Player | Win-Loss |
| John McEnroe | 42-8 |
| Carlos Alcaraz* | 41-8 |
| Boris Becker | 41-9 |
| Bjorn Borg | 41-9 |
| Jimmy Connors | 41-9 |
| Mats Wilander | 41-9 |
| Rafael Nadal | 40-10 |
*Alcaraz is set to play his 50th match on Friday.
Zverev’s Resurgence
Despite his loss, Zverev has found his form, making his way back into the ATP Top 10 for the first time since November. With his accomplishments, he has also secured his spot for this year’s season finale event, to be held from November 12-19.
