Alexander Zverev put a slow start to his U.S. Open campaign further behind him as the top-seeded German defeated Italian Luciano Darderi 6-2 6-2 7-6(3) on Monday and moved into the quarter-finals.
Zverev, who reached his fifth quarter-final at the tournament, will face Dutchman Botic van de Zandschulp for a place in the final four. Playing his fourth straight night-session match and having endured two-five-setters along the way, the 29-year-old was in no mood to hang around and powered through the first set after absorbing some late pressure on his otherwise solid serve. After a misplaced drop shot from 21st seed Darderi gifted Zverev a second break in the next set, the French Open champion took full advantage to rack up a 4-0 lead that provided the perfect platform to double his advantage in the match.
“I don’t know what to do with myself, because it’s before midnight,” said Zverev, who pointed to his watch when the match ended at around 11.48 p.m.