(Tennis news) Spanish teenager Carlos Alcaraz reached his first Grand Slam semi-final after a marathon five hours and 15 minutes against Jannik Sinner that ended 6-3 6-7 (7-9) 6-7 (7-0) 7-5 6-3 at 2:50 am. It was the second consecutive time Alcaraz played beyond the 2 am mark, with his match against Marin Cilic in the fourth round of the US Open finishing at 2.23am. The result means that Alcaraz can end the US Open as World Number 1 depending on the result in the final stages of the competition.

Speaking after the match, Alcaraz said “Honestly I still don't know how I did it. The level of the match, high quality of tennis. It's unbelievable the match today. Jannik Sinner is a great player. I will never be tired to say that all the wins I have in this amazing court is thanks to the support I receive. I just believed in myself, believed in my game. I know closing a match is really difficult, I have to stay in the match, try to stay calm." 

Italian tennis player Jannik Sinner made a nervy start, making three double faults in his opening service game but he quickly regained his composure. Alcaraz showed greater conviction, striking the ball cleanly and was the deserved winner of the first set. However, the second set was the best in the tournament so far, as Sinner moved to an early lead and maintained his advantage until he came to serve at 5-4 when Alcaraz fought back. The Spaniard managed to take a 40-0 lead when Sinner produced some incredible tennis to get back into the game. 

Sinner forced a tie-break at game point but Alcaraz produced an excellent shot by wrapping his racket around his back and sending the ball flying low over the net which proved to be the winner. However, the Spaniard’s forehand then went into the net on set point, keeping the match very much alive. Alcaraz had another opportunity to take the set at tie-break but Sinner landed a backhand in the corner to level the game. In the third set, Alcatraz had two opportunities to lead by the break only for Sinner to fight back every time, winning seven straight points to take the tie-break. In the fourth set, Alcaraz saved a match point at 5-4 and won the final four games to force a decider, where the Spaniard clinched the set and the game with an ace.

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