New York: Carlos Alcaraz of Spain outlasted Jannik Sinner 6-3, 6-7(7), 6-7(0), 7-5, 6-3 in the thrilling match to advance to his first semifinal of the US Open.
Alcaraz saved one match point in the fourth set en route to his five-hour, 15-minute triumph. The battle was the second-longest match in US Open history.
The Spaniard saved match point at 4-5 in the fourth set and rallied to maintain his hopes of becoming the youngest World No. 1 in the history of the ATP Rankings next Monday.
The 19-year-old will face American Frances Tiafoe on Friday in the semifinals.
“Honestly, I still don’t know how I did it,” Alcaraz said. “You have to believe in yourself. I believed in my game.
“It was really difficult to close out the match. I tried to stay calm, but it is difficult in the moment.”
With a win Alcaraz became the second player to qualify for the Nitto ATP Finals, joining fellow Spaniard Rafael Nadal. He will compete in the season finale, to be played from November 13-20 in Turin, for the first time.
