Even the US Open top seed Alexander Zverev was willing to lose sleep to watch the quarter-final epic between Ben Shelton and Carlos Alcaraz.
Zverev, who is into the semi-finals in New York for the third time, has had his fair share of late nights this fortnight, needing five sets in each of his opening two matches. If anyone needed to catch up on sleep, it would be Zverev. But the No. 2 player in the PIF ATP Rankings had other interests.
“I watched Shelton-Alcaraz until 3:30 a.m. last night. I did not go to bed,” Zverev said after his quarter-final win against Botic van de Zandschulp. “I was up late. I was watching TV because I was sleeping in until 1 p.m. anyways.”
The home favourite Shelton overcame two-time champion Alcaraz 6-7(5), 6-1, 6-3, 1-6, 7-6(10-7) in an epic clash that will be remembered for years to come.
“Credit to Ben, he played an unbelievable match,” said Zverev. “[Friday] is going to be a fun semi-final between two Americans.”
While Shelton faces countryman and close friend Frances Tiafoe in the last four, Zverev will meet Karen Khachanov.
Zverev is the lone major champion remaining at Flushing Meadows. The 29-year-old won his first major title this season at Roland Garros.
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