Zverev's dream of Grand Slam: On the way to the US Open final

Zverev's dream of Grand Slam: On the way to the US Open final

Alexander Zverev, the German tennis star and Olympic champion of 2021, made it to the quarter -finals of the US Open with an impressive victory. The 27-year-old Hamburger prevailed against the American outsider Brandon Nakashima 3: 6, 6: 1, 6: 2, 6: 2. This impressive performance is particularly important for Zverev, since for the fourth time in a row he is moving into the round of the last eight at the US Open and remains optimistic on his way to the first Grand Slam title.

The game took place in challenging conditions with 28 degrees Celsius and high humidity. Zverev fought mainly at the beginning and had difficulties in the first set. After a playing time of 2:36 hours, he finally converted his first match ball, which at the same time represents his 450 victory on the ATP tour. "I was very defensive at the beginning of the game. I am very happy that I will continue," said Zverev after the encounter, while concentrating on his next challenges.

on the way to the first Grand Slam title

for Zverev could be the US open title the decisive breakthrough in his career. The competition is particularly strong this year because some of the big names of tennis, such as Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz, have already been eliminated. Zverev himself explained to his big dream of winning the first Grand Slam title. "I give everything, hopefully it is so far at a point of my career," he said with a view to the upcoming games.

In the quarter-finals he will meet the US professional Taylor Fritz. The 26-year-old Fritz defeated Zverev in an earlier duel this year at the Wimbledon Championships in the round of 16. In this rivalry, however, Zverev has no chance, because of a total of nine matched matches, he was able to win five. Fritz himself noticed that all games between them are very close to each other: "It can go in every direction. It depends a lot on the surcharge," he said.

The key to success: strong service

A decisive factor for Zverev's success against Nakashima was his strong service. With an impressive height of 1.98 meters, he impressed with his serve at the beginning of the game, but was also not immune to small uncertainties. Only at the stand of 3: 4 did he subside and gave off his first break. After a brief moment of frustration about his own mistakes, however, he quickly stabilized and dominated the following sentences.

The match was also shaped by strong emotions. When Nakashima won the first sentence, the mood was held up among the spectators, who loudly supported the American player. But Zverev found it better and better after initial difficulties, countered the opponent's attacks with precise blows and amazed the audience with impressive moves.

Ultimately, Zverev goes to the quarter-finals with a lot of self-confidence, where he will do everything he can to take his chance on the first Grand Slam title. Despite a moment of terror, when he waved his right foot in the fourth set, he was able to win the game and stay on course to realize this dream.