US Open 2020, men's semi-finals, Match Highlights: Dominic Thiem to face Alexander Zverev in final

Match stats from the second semi-final

Fantastic contest and very well fought between two great fighters. 

Dominic Thiem: “In the first set, I don’t if his ball was out or in, got lucky. In the second and third sets he served for it. Both tiebreaks were amazing. They are mentally tough. I don’t like them much. Really happy to be through.”

“Definitely playing the big matches helps. Helps even more if in front of fans, big stadiums. I work in off season to play these top guys. I have great friendship and rivalry with Sascha.”

“In the second set tiebreak, my heel started to hurt. I changed the shoe. I’m pain free. I hope the foot feels better tomorrow. I don’t understand how I can slip on a hardcourt. I got frustrated. All good now.”

“The final is going to be an open match. In Australia, was also close. His first serve is out of the world. Precise. I have great friendship and rivalry. If I win, I have my first. If not, I will probably have to call Andy Murray about how it is to be 0-4.”

Thiem wins in straight sets

Game, set, match Dominic Thiem!

Dominic Thiem wins 6-2, 7-6, 7-6 in two hours and 55 minutes to beat last year’s US Open finalist Daniil Medvedev. He is into his fourth Grand Slam final.

Third set tiebreak

Medvedev gets one mini break back. Thiem goes for the running pass but the angle is too much. Medvedev with good placement of groundstrokes and then the volley. But he continues to play catch up at 2-5. Chalks off two more points to make it 4-5. A gorgeous drop volley first and a missed return from Thiem second. Not going away without a fight is Medvedev. Not that that’s a surprise. Thiem brings up match point with yet another barrage of backhands and Medvedev’s reply is wide. Misses it! Thiem goes for far too much on the forehand and it is well long. He is disappointed. “Why, why, why” he mutters, Another match point and this one is converted. Medvedev sends forehand into the net.

Third set tiebreak

Dominic Thiem gets the mini break to start the tiebreak. Just the kind of start he would have hoped for. Medvedev goes for too much with his backhand on the second point and Thiem is 2-0 up. Make that 3-0! Well angled and placed serve out wide has Medvedev stretching and the defensive return is well long. Uh-oh! Double fault by Medvedev and he is disintegrating here. Gets one point back. It is 5-1 at the change of ends after yet another big serve from Thiem.

Medvedev 2-6, 6-7, 6-6 Thiem (* denotes server)

Into the third set tiebreak we go! Thiem drops one point on his serve and from 2-5 down, he has given himself a fighting chance of closing this in straight sets.

Medvedev 2-6, 6-7, 6-5 *Thiem (* denotes server)

A love hold for Daniil Medvedev to stop Dominic Thiem’s runof games at 3. A simple hold would do the Russian a world of good. He can now focus on getting the all-important break

Medvedev* 2-6, 6-7, 5-5 Thiem (* denotes server)

Thiem drops two points on serve, brings in a well played serve and volley into the mix too, to hold serve. It is 5-5 in the third set

Medvedev 2-6, 6-7, 5-4 *Thiem (* denotes server)

Brilliant confident play from Thiem as Medvedev serves for the set. Great, confident play to go 15-30 to the good before Medvedev gets a big serve and puts away the short reply. A well played volley brings up set point. Medvedev with a mishit and it goes begging. Another big serve return from Thiem and it is deep for Medvedev to pick up and return. He gets it over but it lands long. Break point for Thiem. WHAT A POINT! WHAT A SHOT! Both players willing the other to go for broke. To go for it all. Sliced backhands after another. Thiem finally goes for a big backhand down the line and a desperate stretch from Medvedev gets the ball back but only for Thiem to run on and put it away for a winner. BREAK!

Medvedev* 2-6, 6-7, 5-3 Thiem (* denotes server)

Dominic Thiem drops one point on his serve – an unlucky ball hitting top of the tape but not jumping over on the other side. Daniil Medvedev to serve for the third set

Medvedev 2-6, 6-7, 5-2 *Thiem (* denotes server)

Daniil with perfect angles and placement of the groundstrokes to force Thiem into making mistakes. One such forehand brings Thiem to miss a running backhand. Medvedev holds and is closer to forcing a fourth set

Medvedev* 2-6, 6-7, 4-2 Thiem (* denotes server)

A less than perfect serve effort from Thiem in this game and not so surprisingly he has to deal with break point again. It is saved immediately and then on deuce, Thiem is flawless with his backhand winner down the lie. Gorgeous shot. But Medvedev sticking around and forces an error. Theim gets out of the hole in the end to hold serve

One shoe too many? 

Medvedev 2-6, 6-7, 4-1 *Thiem (* denotes server)

Thiem keeping the pressure on Medvedev and his serve. A long, long rally has Thiem sending slice after slice, forcing Medvedev into going for something extra and it arrives and so does a break point. But this time it is Medvedev who shows better control of the tennis racket. A drop shot and Thiem can’t make much of it. From deuce, another chance for Medvedev to hold. Just as he tries change direction and move forward to pick up the poor drop shot, he slips and loses it. Clearly upset with his shoes, the one’s he changed after the second set, he starts to scream out in German. Medvedev holds.

Medvedev* 2-6, 6-7, 3-1 Thiem (* denotes server)

Dominic Thiem gets on the board in the third set with a love hold. A kick serve down the T and Medvedev’s serve return is just wide.

Medvedev 2-6, 6-7, 3-0 *Thiem (* denotes server)

A forehand winner and a love hold for Daniil Medvedev to consolidate that break as Thiem once again plays catch up.

Medvedev* 2-6, 6-7, 2-0 Thiem (* denotes server)

Brilliant defensive work by Daniil Medvedev to push Dominic Thiem into playing one more shot, one more ball and it pays off. Thiem misses a backhand on break point and Medvedev has the early advantage in the third set. BREAK!

Medvedev 2-6, 6-7, 1-0 Thiem (* denotes server)

Dominic Thiem pushes Daniil Medvedev all the way on his serve at the start of the third set. No clear signs of Thiem’s foot being a problem. He moves forward for a drop shot pick up but can’t get high enough for a lob. Medvedev gets out of a tricky situation in the end to hold serve

A daunting ask for Daniil Medvedev… much like it was for Alexander Zverev

The trainer is out for Dominic Thiem as he removes his shoes and has a new pair handed by his team. A medical time out follows. 

Second set: Dominic Thiem 7-6 (7)

Dominic Thiem wins the second set 7-6 to go two sets to love up. A well contested tiebreak goes the Austrian’s way after Daniil Medvedev plays one poor drop shot to give away the leeway. Medvedev had a break advantage before being broken in the 10th game.

Second set tiebreak

Daniil would rue that forehand going long. He had Thiem scrambling, into a defensive mindset and now a set point for Thiem. And it is saved quickly by Daniil. At 7-7 he goes for a drop shot which is far too weak and Thiem has the easy task of running on for a forehand winner. Set point for Thiem at 8-7 in the tiebreak. Couple of huge forehands and Medvedev’s defensive reply is into the net. Second set Dominic Thiem!

Second set tiebreak

Ace from Medvedev to restart the tiebreak. Thiem evens it after an errant backhand return on the serve from the Russian. 4-4 between the two. What incredible shot making from both. Thiem mixing it up with a forehand slice that went deep and could have been a drop shot. But it is the angle that gets him the point. At the end of a 22-shot rally, Thiem leads 5-4. Daniil with points on both his serves makes it 6-5 in his favour. Thiem serves to stay in this set. Well placed serve on the Medvedev backhand is into the net. 6-6 at the change of ends.

Second set tiebreak

WHAT A RALLY! Dominic Thiem wins the opening point with ease but he second is a serious slugest. A 34 shot rally has both players busy and touching both sides of the court. It is Thiem who buckles to the rising angles. But he gets a mini-break on the next point. He gives it back as the sliced backhand lands wide with Medvedev approaching the net. Daniil makes it 3-3 at the change of ends. Helps slightly by Thiem missing a forehand he should have made. Thiem thinks it was there for him to take it too. He appears surprised it didn’t go over.

Medvedev 2-6, 6-6 Thiem (* denotes server)

From 40-15 up, Daniil Medvedev is pushed on his serve to deuce. But holds serve eventually and into the tiebreak we go. Both players get one more challenge

Who do you think Sascha is texting? 

Medvedev* 2-6, 5-6 Thiem (* denotes server)

Poor serve from Dominic Thiem. The consistency is missing. A double fault gives Medvedev a break point and it is saved with a big serve that doesn’t come back. A sliced backhand on deuce hits the net and Medvedev has another chance. Another decently placed serve and the return doesn’t come back in play. A long game and a fifth break point chance for Medvedev follows. And it is saved once again. Theim with huge forehands on both sides of the court and it forces Daniil into an error. He eventually gets out unscathed but a 10 minute game would take some much-needed energy

Medvedev 2-6, 5-5 *Thiem (* denotes server)

Daniil Medvedev serves for the second set and Dominic Thiem ups the ante with some powerful hitting. The intensity seems to be back in the Austrian even if it might be too late for this set. Or is it? Thiem glides forward to a drop shot and forces Medvedev into one more ball and ekes out an error. Two break point chances. One saved by Medvedev but not the second. Daniil hits the net with his forehand and we’re at even footing. BREAK!

Medvedev* 2-6, 5-4 Thiem (* denotes server)

BRUTAL! Just when it looks like Daniil Medvedev is out of the point, he gets something special out of the bag. Thiem has the Russian on the run but he thunders a forehand winner down the line, over the highest part of the net. What a shot. But Thiem comes back to pick up four straight points to hold

Medvedev 2-6, 5-3 *Thiem (* denotes server)

Fifth ace of the match from Daniil Medvedev brings up game point but wishes to prolong this game but can only do so by a point. At 40-15, Medvedev with incredible fighting spirit to pick up a drive volley, a backhand into the corner and finds the angle to make the volley difficult for Thiem to pick up

Medvedev* 2-6, 4-3 Thiem (* denotes server)

Medvedev gets out of a sticky situation on his serve and then Thiem holds at love again to keep the second set down to a break.

Medvedev* 2-6, 3-2 Thiem (* denotes server)

Dominic Thiem holds at love and he continues to play catch up. Both players holding serves relatively easily this set and the rally length has dropped.

Can’t fault the ball kid, can we?

Medvedev 2-6, 2-0 *Thiem (* denotes server)

Daniil Medvedev holds at love to consolidate the break. Suddenly the momentum has shifted. Maybe the shout out is all that Medvedev needed to calm himself.

The mental image is quite something. 

Medvedev* 2-6, 1-0 Thiem (* denotes server)

Medvedev goes off court at the end of the first set to calm himself down and break the Thiem momentum. The plan seems to have worked. A double fault by Thiem brings up two break points and one is all that Daniil needs. Thiem misses a forehand and BREAK!

First set: Dominic Thiem 6-2

Dominic Thiem takes the opening set 6-2 in 35 minutes after a cagey start. Daniil Medvedev upset after a challenge wasn’t counted as he claimed. He takes a pop at the chair umpire and the tournament supervisor after getting a code violation for crossing the net – which is not allowed.

Medvedev 2-6 *Thiem (* denotes server)

Daniil Medvedev has thrown it all away after that early promising exchange between both players. Two set point chances for Thiem and Medvedev misses his forehand. First set Dominic!

Medvedev* 2-5 Thiem (* denotes server)

Daniil gets a code violation for crossing over to the Thiem’s side of the court in that heated exchange. Thiem consolidates the break and as players take the chair, Medvedev continues to have a pop at the supervisor. Says, “you take the chair at every match and do nothing. You do nothing.”

Medvedev 2-4 *Thiem (* denotes server)

Backhand to backhand rally. Both players go back and forth on each other’s backhand wing. Slice one after another. Patience from both. Before Thiem has the ball sit right up and he goes after it for a winner into the corner. Thiem’s deep serve return doesn’t find a reply from Medvedev and he has another break point. Once again, it goes away quickly. He has another chance after Medvedev finds the net on the run. Thiem gets the BREAK. Medvedev is upset that his challenge was not taken. Goes after the umpire, the tournament official and Thiem too. Says “Sorry! Did I kill someone? Is US Open a joke?”

Fantastic pass from Dominic Thiem

Medvedev* 2-3 Thiem (* denotes server)

Love hold for Dominic Thiem this time. He angles the serve on the Medvedev backhand and sees the return hit the net.

Medvedev 2-2 *Thiem (* denotes server)

Dominic Thiem making early inroads into the Daniil Medvedev serve. Two very low rising backhand slices and Medvedev is unable to get them up and under at the net. Medvedev follows it up with two confident points. Thiem brings up the first break point of the match and tenth on the Medvedev serve in the tournament. Finds the side line with the Russian at the net. But it goes away quickly after a strong serve. Make that two more strong serves. One from the corner of the court to push Thiem outside as well. Holds with an ace on the next serve.

Medvedev* 1-2 Thiem (* denotes server)

Dominic Thiem with an ace to hold serve to go two games to one up. His first ace of the match. Great start from both players, finding their range and trying to be aggressive

Medvedev 1-1 *Thiem (* denotes server)

As expected, Thiem doing the early attacking and Medvedev doing splendidly to match him stride for stride. Wait, scratch that. Medvedev turns that around by going all out attack and it is Thiem who plays the defensive tennis before Daniil whips a forehand winner to hold serve

Zverev after his first win from two sets down

Medvedev* 0-1 Thiem (* denotes server)

Dominic Thiem gets the match underway. Sign of things to come in the very first game as both players move around on the court, pushing each other all the way before Thiem misses a lob. But goes on to hold serve after yet another long rally sees Medvedev send his forehand wide.

Thiem vs Medvedev

“One who has a better day wins, it is a 50:50 match,” says Dominic Thiem as he takes court after Daniil Medvedev. The Russian is yet to drop a set in the tournament. The Austrian holds a 2-1 head-to-head

A bit of a slog, eh?

Alexander Zverev speaks after the match!

I was looking at the scoreboard when I was down two sets to love thinking, ‘I can’t believe it. I’m playing in a Grand Slam semi-final, I’m supposed to be the favourite, and I have no chance.’

I knew I had to come up with better tennis, and be a bit more stable in my approach. The conditions were completely different today. today the ball was moving as fast, so my serve wasn’t that effective.

I knew I had to play better. I will never come back from two sets to love. This was the first time in my career. I’m happy to do it at this stage. I couldn’t be happier but there’s still one more step to go for me.

I wasn’t winning many second serve points, so I had to change something and be more aggressive. I think it turned out well for me.

I will definitely watch it, I’ll probably watch a set or so live. These guys might be playing for a long while as well. I can’t wait for the final.

Fifth set in numbers:

Game, Set, Match: Alexander Zverev wins 3-6, 2-6, 6-3, 6-4, 6-3! 

Carreno Busta serves to stay in the match. He gets the first point, but he hits the second long. 15-15. Another forehand goes wide. Two points from defeat. He misses first serve. Good second serve though, and Zverev hits wide. 30-30. Oh no, Carreno Busta hits a volley wide. Zverev has match point! Carreno Busta takes it to deuce though, with a forehand winner. Match-point saved.

Carreno Busta’s sliced backhand lacks the power to make it across the net. Advantage and set point to Zverev. Another mistake from Carreno Busta, and Zverev is through to his first Grand Slam final! What a comeback win for the German!

Pablo Carreno Busta* 6-3, 6-2, 3-6, 4-6, 3-5 Alexander Zverev (* denotes next server)

If I’m being completely honest, this is a stinker of a semi-final. Neither player has looked convincing in any way, shape or form. Whatever happens, the winner could do with a bit of reflection ahead of the final.

Two quick points for Zverev. An ace and a forehand winner. He makes a mistake though, and fails to clear the net with a shot. 30-15. Carreno Busta’s touch is gone. He’s hitting returns with no real conviction. 40-15. Zverev hits a huge serve and he holds.

Pablo Carreno Busta 6-3, 6-2, 3-6, 4-6, 3-4 *Alexander Zverev (* denotes next server)

15-15 in Carreno Busta’s service game. Zverev hits long though, and he’s up 30-15. Excellent second serve from Carreno Busta. Zverev challenges it. Ooh, it’s a couple of millimetres in. 40-15. Zverev’s return flies long, and Carreno Busta holds.

Pablo Carreno Busta* 6-3, 6-2, 3-6, 4-6, 2-4 Alexander Zverev (* denotes next server)

Ace. Ace. Forehand winner down the line. Zverev races to 40-0. Carreno Busta replies with a forehand winner of his own. 40-15. Zverev goes for power on a second serve and gets the point. He holds.

There’s a couple of records in the offing:

If Zverev wins

Zverev, 23, is the youngest Grand Slam finalist since Djokovic, 23, at the 2010 US Open
 

Zverev is the first German Grand Slam finalist since Rainer Schuettler at the 2003 Australian Open
 

Zverev is into his first Grand Slam final just months after a career-best semi-final finish of a Major at Australian Open

If Carreno Busta wins

Carreno Busta is the third Spaniard, alongside David Ferrer and Rafael Nadal, to reach the Grand Slam finals in last 15 years

World No 27 Carreno Busta is the second- lowest-ranked US Open finalist since rankings began in 1973. Only 2017 US Open runner-up Kevin Anderson was ranked lower at No 32

Pablo Carreno Busta 6-3, 6-2, 3-6, 4-6, 2-3 *Alexander Zverev (* denotes next server)

Carreno Busta opens up an opportunity for himself with aggressive play, pushes Zverev wide and volleys the German’s lob into open court. Zverev hits long. 30-0 to the Spaniard. Zverev hits long again. 40-0. Zverev hits a good backhand winner down the line. 40-15. Zverev hits long. Carreno Busta holds. Good work from him, but he needs to make a move quickly if he has any hope of winning this match.

Pablo Carreno Busta* 6-3, 6-2, 3-6, 4-6, 1-3 Alexander Zverev (* denotes next server)

Ace. Mistake from Carreno Busta. Zverev up 30-0. Another ace. Another ace. Zverev holds to love

Pablo Carreno Busta 6-3, 6-2, 3-6, 4-6, 1-2 *Alexander Zverev (* denotes next server)

Big game for Carreno Busta and he gets the first point. He gets the second too, after Zverev can’t return serve. Carreno Busta hits long and it’s 30-15. Carreno Busta hits long again, 30-30. Excellent forehand-volley combination from Carreno Busta, 40-30. Zverev makes a mistake and the Spaniard holds!

Pablo Carreno Busta* 6-3, 6-2, 3-6, 4-6, 0-2 Alexander Zverev (* denotes next server)

Better. Much better from Carreno Busta to wrest control of a rally and get the first point. Brilliant backhand from Zverev, 15-15. Huge ace, 30-15. Double fault from Zverev, 30-30. Excellent volley from Zverev, he’s on 40-30. Nice work from Carreno Busta to force through a deuce with a forehand winner.
 

Zverev gets advantage with a volley after a lengthy rally. Excellent dropshot from Carreno Busta to bring it back to deuce. Again, Zverev pushes Carreno Busta wide and hits a shot into open space. Advantage. Lazy smash from Zverev. He holds serve. He’s looking good.

Pablo Carreno Busta 6-3, 6-2, 3-6, 4-6, 0-1 *Alexander Zverev (* denotes next server)

Carreno Busta makes an error after a lengthy rally. He goes for the dropshot but he can’t make it cross the net. 0-30 to Zverev. Ace from Carreno Busta, 15-30. Zverev with a smash, 15-40. Break point for the German. Game Zverev after a Carreno Busta error. He looks out of sorts here.

Pablo Carreno Busta calls for medical timeout

The Spaniard is lying on his back, as a trainer pushed into his kidney. I’m not sure what’s being treated here. Maybe he has gas? Okay, he’s been turned on his side and it looks like he’s on a chiropractor’s table. He’s up on his feet now. Wonder what all that was about. I’m sure we’ll find out soon enough. 

Fourth set in numbers:

Fourth Set: Alexander Zverev 6-4

Zverev serves for the set. Good start with an ace. Zverev shanks a backhand and it hits the net. 15-15. Double fault after he tries to go for the gusto on the second serve. Excellent drop volley from Zverev. 30-30. Good serve and he has set point. Ace and we go to the fifth set!

Pablo Carreno Busta 6-3, 6-2, 3-6, 4-5 *Alexander Zverev (* denotes next server)

Excellent work from Zverev. Carreno Busta tries a dropshot, but it’s deep enough for Zverev to get to it and hit a winner into the open court. Mistake from Carreno Busta now, and it’s 0-30. Carreno Busta makes another mistake, miscues a volley, and Zverev has three set points. He loses one of those though after failing to return. He’s down to one set point now. It’s deuce, good work from Carreno Busta but poor returning from Zverev.

Advantage Carreno Busta. Deuce again after a firm forehand winner from Zverev. Advantage Carreno Busta, he rifles a shot straight at Zverev and it hits him in the ribcage. Painful one that. Carreno Busta holds with some aggressive net play!

Pablo Carreno Busta* 6-3, 6-2, 3-6, 3-5 Alexander Zverev (* denotes next server)

Carreno Busta’s return sails long. Ace from Zverev. Carreno Busta challenges. Ooh, it’s just inside. One or two millimetres at best. 30-0 to Zverev. 40-0, Carreno Busta hits long. Zverev holds to love with ease. Carreno Busta will serve to prevent a deciding set.

Pablo Carreno Busta 6-3, 6-2, 3-6, 3-4 *Alexander Zverev (* denotes next server)

Carreno Busta hits long, and it’s 0-15 to Zverev. It seems like every other point is ending with an unforced error. Carreno Busta thwacks a shot straight at Zverev’s face from close range and the German just about deflects it. 15-15. We have a long rally, which ends with Carreno Busta hitting the net. There’s not a lot of power on display here. Carreno Busta hits long and Zverev has two break points. Smash from Carreno Busta and Zverev now has just the one break point. Huge smash from Zverev, he shows great aggression to get the break!

Pablo Carreno Busta* 6-3, 6-2, 3-6, 3-3 Alexander Zverev (* denotes next server)

Great serve-backhand combination play from Zverev to win the first point. 30-0. Carreno Busta misses a straightforward return and it’s 40-0. Zverev tries to go for the tweener at the end of a great rally, but misses. 40-15.  Game Zverev though, he holds serve well.

Pablo Carreno Busta 6-3, 6-2, 3-6, 3-2 *Alexander Zverev (* denotes next server)

Two fairly long rallies end with a point apiece and an error apiece from both players. 15-15. Huge serve from Carreno Busta and he’s up 30-15. Carreno Busta can’t take the speed off a ball with a volley and it flies long. Big ace for Carreno Busta. Zverev challenges but it’s in. 40-30. Deuce after Carreno Busta hits long.

Uncharacteristically quick serve from Carreno Busta and he has advantage. A slower serve, and Zverev miscues his return. Carreno Busta holds serve!

Pablo Carreno Busta* 6-3, 6-2, 3-6, 2-2 Alexander Zverev (* denotes next server)

Zverev makes a mistake and it’s 0-15 to Carreno Busta. Zverev hits long, Carreno Busta up by 30. Zverev not convinced. He challenges. It’s a metre out. Oh god, that’s a howler from Zverev! Sloppy double fault, to give Carreno Busta three break points. Zverev hits long and Carreno Busta breaks right back. What’s wrong with Zverev? We’re back on serve.

Carreno Busta’s camp does not look confident right now

Pablo Carreno Busta 6-3, 6-2, 3-6, 1-2 *Alexander Zverev (* denotes next server)

Carreno Busta’s forehand flies long and Zverev has the first point. 0-30 now, after Zverev hits an imperious winner down the line. Mistake from Zverev and Carreno Busta gets a point. 15-30. Excellent forehand winner from Carreno Busta. 30-30. Carreno Busta hits long, and Zverev has break-point again! He can’t convert, the shot goes long.

Deuce. Carreno Busta hits long after some wonderfully authoritative shot-making from Zverev, who has advantage. Carreno Busta hits long again, and Zverev breaks!

Pablo Carreno Busta* 6-3, 6-2, 3-6, 1-1 Alexander Zverev (* denotes next server)

Zverev ace. A long rally ends with a point for Zverev, after his shot clips the top of the net and gets the better of a sprinting Carreno Busta. Ace and it’s 40-0. Wonderful serve-forehand winner combination to hold.

Pablo Carreno Busta 6-3, 6-2, 3-6, 1-0 *Alexander Zverev (* denotes next server)

Advantage Carreno Busta after a Zverev mistake. Deuce, after a Carreno Busta mistake. Very nervy game. Oh my, that’s a belter of a serve from Carreno Busta. 126mph. He has advantage. Another quick serve at 116mph, and he holds. Big hold under pressure.

Third set in numbers:

Third Set: Alexander Zverev 6-3

Ace and 15-0. 30-0, after Carreno Busta can’t make the return. Another ace and it’s 40-0. Three set points. He’s done it, he’s won the third set! Incredible serving from the German!

Pablo Carreno Busta 6-3, 6-2, 3-5 *Alexander Zverev (* denotes next server)

We’re almost done with this third set, but neither player has really shown anything special. If this match is any indication, the winner of Thiem vs Medvedev should do quite well in the final. Carreno Busta double faults on the first point. 15-15 all now, after Zverev can’t clear the net. 30-15 after Zverev hits long. 40-15 after Zverev hits long again. Carreno Busta is really hitting through the ball now. Lovely forehand winner across court to hold serve. Zverev will serve for the set.

Pablo Carreno Busta* 6-3, 6-2, 2-5 Alexander Zverev (* denotes next server)

Ace. Big serve and it’s 30-0 in a matter of seconds. 40-0 now, Zverev looks rejuvenated. Carreno Busta hits long, and Zverev holds to love. The German is in the driver’s seat in this set.

Pablo Carreno Busta 6-3, 6-2, 2-4 *Alexander Zverev (* denotes next server)

Zverev does well to push Carreno Busta out wide and get the first point, when the Spaniard hits a desperate shot into the net. Carreno Busta hits a ball long, but he doesn’t think so. He challenges and it’s actually in. They replay the point. Oof, 0-30 to Zverev now, as Carreno Busta slightly overcooks a volley. 15-30, mistake from Zverev. 30-30 after a great dropshot-backhand combination from Carreno Busta. Despite being a very conservative player, the Spaniard has shown some flashes of real brilliance. Zverev wins the next point after dictating a rally. He has break point. Zverev breaks after Carreno Busta miscues a backhand!

Pablo Carreno Busta* 6-3, 6-2, 2-3 Alexander Zverev (* denotes next server)

Carreno Busta wins the first point after Zverev hits long. Zverev hits another shot long, Carreno Busta up  0-30 in this game. Zverev appears to have hit an ace, but Carreno Busta challenges. It’s a second serve. Carreno Busta survives it, and after a rally, Zverev hits a shot wide. Three break points to Carreno Busta now! Make that two, he’s hit the net. Carreno Busta has broken right back! What a response from the Spaniard! We’re back on serve.

Pablo Carreno Busta 6-3, 6-2, 1-3 *Alexander Zverev (* denotes next server)

Carreno Busta is making a lot more mistakes than he was in the last set. He loses the first point after making an error. And the second. Carreno Busta hits a shot long and now Zverev has three hugely crucial break points. He has two now, after Carreno Busta pushes him wide with some good shot-making. Alexander Zverev breaks with a beautiful forehand winner down the line/

Is it too late for Alexander Zverev?

Pablo Carreno Busta’s record from two sets up: 22-2

Alexander Zverev’s record from two sets down: 0-8

Pablo Carreno Busta* 6-3, 6-2, 1-2 Alexander Zverev (* denotes next server)

Zverev takes the first point with an overhead smash. He’s got a bit of his mojo back. He’s up 30-0, Carreno Busta can’t clear the net. 40-0 after another Carreno Busta mistake. Zverev is really beginning to hit with enough depth and power to prevent Carreno Busta from controlling rallies. He holds to love!

Pablo Carreno Busta 6-3, 6-2, 1-1 *Alexander Zverev (* denotes next server)

15-0 to Carreno Busta. 30-0 now, after a huge forehand winner. Make that 40-0, Zverev can’t return a good serve. Carreno Busta holds to love with another forehand winner.

Pablo Carreno Busta* 6-3, 6-2, 0-1 Alexander Zverev (* denotes next server)

Zverev gets us underway in the third set. It’s make or break time for the German. He wins the first point after an error from Carreno Busta. And the second after another mistake. Can Zverev build on the momentum he had towards the end of that second set? He wins the third point as well, he looks a lot more assured now. It’s a long way back from here, but he has more than enough ability to fight back. He holds to love with an ace.

Brb, I think I need to take a shower

The second set in numbers: 

Is this what Zverev needs to do?

Second Set: Pablo Carreno Busta 6-2

Alexander Zverev wins the first point after Carreno Busta hits a forehand wide. Another forehand goes wide and Zverev is up 0-30. Carreno Busta gets his first point of the game after Zverev misses up a return. Excellent forehand winner from Carreno Busta and it’s 30-30. An ace and he’s on set point. Poor shot from Carreno Busta, we go to deuce.

Another mistake from Zverev. Advantage and set point to Carreno Busta! Another vamos and another set in the bag for the Spaniard!

Pablo Carreno Busta* 6-3, 5-2 Alexander Zverev (* denotes next server)

This is a great service game from Alexander Zverev. Within a minute he holds and Pablo Carreno Busta yet again serves for the set.

Pablo Carreno Busta 6-3, 5-1 *Alexander Zverev (* denotes next server)

Zverev gets the first point. And the second, after a mistake from Carreno Busta. And the third, after one more error. Carreno Busta’s chosen a hell of a time to  slip up. He gets a point back though, with a cheeky volley. And another, after a mistake from Zverev. Zverev has just one break point. Now he has zero, after he messes up a fairly simple forehand. Deuce.
 

Carreno Busta can’t clear the net, and Zverev has advantage and break point. He breaks with an excellent winner! No bagels yet!

Pablo Carreno Busta* 6-3, 5-0 Alexander Zverev (* denotes next server)

Oi vey, Zverev begins with another unforced error. Ooh, rare back to back unforced errors from Carreno Busta now! Zverev up 30-15. Make that 30-30, and I’ll give you three guesses as to how Zverev lost the point. That net must be looking a mile high to him right now. Zverev makes it 40-30 though with a delicate volley. 40-40, Zverev just cannot catch a break.
 

Zverev gets the advantage after an error from Carreno Busta. This feels repetitive, but another unforced error from Zverev. Deuce again. Another unforced error, Carreno Busta has advantage. Now an error from Carreno Busta, we’re back to deuce. You know when you say a word so many times that it loses all meaning? That’s what’s happening with me and the word error right now. Anyway, winner from Carreno Busta and he has advantage. Nope, deuce again. Now Zverev has advantage.

This game has been going on forever. We’re back to deuce. Someone, anyone, end this. Advantage Carreno Busta, both players are struggling to land shots within the confines of the court. It looks like Carreno Busta has broken, Zverev hit long. He challenges the call though, and it’s actually in. We replay the point. Deuce again now. Zverev is just about clinging on. A big ace to get advantage. Zverev shanks a forehand though, and it’s deuce again. This game has gone on for 10 whole minutes.

Advantage Carreno Busta, he shows good speed to get across court and whack a shot at Zverev. Deuce again though, after a Zverev ace. Carreno Busta struggles to make a return, and it’s advantage Zverev. Zverev hits long and it’s deuce again. My post graduate thesis was shorter than this update. Advantage Carreno Busta now. Game Carreno Busta, he’s broken, finally! He’ll serve for the set next and Zverev is on the verge of being bagelled.

Pablo Carreno Busta 6-3, 4-0 *Alexander Zverev (* denotes next server)

Carreno Busta must be pinching himself, he’s just standing by while Alexander Zverev implodes. Carreno Busta gets the first point with a winner and then makes it 30-0. 40-0 after a Zverev error. Zverev has 12 unforced errors in this set. Carreno Busta has a total of zero. Zverev regains enough composure to hit a forehand winner into the open court. Game Carreno Busta though, he has a 4-0 lead.

Pablo Carreno Busta 6-3, 4-0 *Alexander Zverev (* denotes next server)

Carreno Busta must be pinching himself, he’s just standing by while Alexander Zverev implodes. Carreno Busta gets the first point with a winner and then makes it 30-0. 40-0 after a Zverev error. Zverev has 12 unforced errors in this set. Carreno Busta has a total of zero. Zverev regains enough composure to hit a forehand winner into the open court. Game Carreno Busta though, he has a 4-0 lead.

Pablo Carreno Busta* 6-3, 3-0 Alexander Zverev (* denotes next server)

Carreno Busta wins the first point on Zverev’s serve. Zverev makes it 15-15 with an overhead smash. And yet again, Zverev double faults. Every time he has to go to a second serve, he looks unsure of what to do. Another double fault. He’s playing mindgames with himself. Carreno Busta has two break points. Make that one, he’s made an error after being pushed out wide. Carreno Busta breaks after an error from Zverev!

Pablo Carreno Busta 6-3, 2-0 *Alexander Zverev (* denotes next server)

Carreno Busta is playing chess, Zverev is playing checkers. The Spaniard is up 15-0 after Zverev can’t reach a drop shot quick enough. 30-0 after another Zverev error. One more error and it’s 40-0. Zverev has 21 unforced errors to Carreno Busta’s 9. The Spaniard holds to love.

Pablo Carreno Busta* 6-3, 1-0 Alexander Zverev (* denotes next server)

Zverev serves first in the second set. He takes the first point easy, with a lovely corner to corner combination. The second point goes to Carreno Busta after a lengthy rally, Zverev makes a terrible mess of a shot. 15-15. Ace! Zverev up 30-15 with a 133mph second serve. Another lovely rally ends with a Carreno Busta point off a forehand winner down the line. Zverev needs to keep the rallies short. Uh oh, double fault from Zverev and Carreno Busta has break point in the first game of the second set. He can’t convert it though, he makes an error.

Deuce. Excellent volley from Alexander Zverev to get the advantage. Carreno Busta appears to hit a good deep shot, but Zverev challenges it. It’s good, and they replay the point. Deuce now, as Zverev makes an error.  The big German’s just hit a wonderful forehand winner, he’s got advantage. And now there’s another double fault. Deuce again. Error from Zverev after a long rally and Carreno Busta has advantage and break point. Carreno Busta hits a clean winner and he shouts vamos! Vamos indeed, he’s up a break!

Carreno Busta has the edge in this semi-final

Set 1 in numbers:

First Set: Pablo Carreno Busta 6-3

For the second time, Carreno Busta serves for the set. Zverev wins the first point, Carreno Busta the second. 15-15. Zverev makes an error after a little rally, it’s 30-15. Ooh, Carreno Busta tries to go heavy on the forehand, and miscues it. 30-30. Carreno Busta is adjudged to have hit a backhand long, but he challenges. It’s just a fraction inside the baseline, and the point is replayed. Error from Zverev and Carreno Busta has set point. Yet another error from Zverev and Carreno Busta takes the set!

Pablo Carreno Busta* 5-3 Alexander Zverev (* denotes next server)

Error from Carreno Busta and Zverev is up 15-0. He really needs this hold to cut down on the Spaniard’s advantage. Oh my, excellent work from Carreno Busta! He’s doing really well when Zverev tries to come to the net, he’s able to hit winners past the German’s reach with ease. Big serve from Zverev! Another big ace! 40-15. And a good volley to wrap it up. He’s still alive in this.

Pablo Carreno Busta 5-2 *Alexander Zverev (* denotes next server)

Carreno Busta is serving for the first set. Zverev gets the first point with a down the line winner. He gets the second after Carreno Busta makes an error. Can the Spaniard close out this set in this game? Ooh, another error from Carreno Busta. Zverev has a break point. Better from Carreno Busta, he forces an error out of Zverev. Two more break points to face. He’s helped out by the net, after his backhand clips the top and falls listlessly on Zverev’s side. One more breakpoint to go. He can’t claw it back. Zverev’s forehand winner helps him break serve.

Pablo Carreno Busta* 5-1 Alexander Zverev (* denotes next server)

Carreno Busta wins the first point after Zverev makes an error. The Spaniard’s defence is excellent, Zverev’s really struggling to find a chink in his armour. Zverev makes another error and it’s 0-30. Zverev does well to deal with a low shot from Carreno Busta and win a point. Uh oh. Double fault from Zverev. Carreno Busta has break point again. Zverev comes up with a giant serve, but he’s still facing break point. He misses the first serve. His second serve is slow, and Carreno Busta capitalises to win a rally after an error from Zverev. He’s up double break here!

Pablo Carreno Busta 4-1 *Alexander Zverev (* denotes next server)

15-0 to Carreno Busta after a good serve outfoxes Zverev. Zverev makes an error and it’s 30-0. A rare ace for Carreno Busta and he’s cruising to a hold. Oh what a point! A small rally with a series of tremendous shots, but Zverev shows some incredible pace to get to the net and hit a beautiful volley. 40-15. Carreno Busta holds though, after an error from Zverev.

Pablo Carreno Busta* 3-1 Alexander Zverev(* denotes next server)

Zverev’s serves have been huge, but his decision making is a bit off at the moment. He comes to the net but volleys straight at Carreno Busta, who hits a winner past him. 0-15. 15-15 after an ace. 30-15 after Carreno Busta makes a mistake. Mistake from Zverev as he overcooks a shot and it sails past the baseline. 30-30. Another mistake, and now Carreno Busta has breakpoint. The Spaniard makes an error and it’s deuce. Zverev is really firing in some huge second serves.

Advantage Carreno Busta as Zverev fails to reach a backhand. Oh dear, Zverev makes a mess of a backhand and Carreno Busta breaks!

Pablo Carreno Busta 2-1 *Alexander Zverev(* denotes next server)

Carreno Busta can’t clear the net, and it’s 0-15 to Zverev. The Spaniard levels the game by hitting a backhand past a stretching Zverev at the net. Carreno Busta makes an error after a wonderful 18-shot rally. 30-30 after a Zverev backhand flies long. Excellent work from Carreno Busta! He draws Zverev to the net with a dropshot and fires a backhand past the stranded German. Zverev then does well to aggressively approach the net and force Carreno Busta into a mistake. We go to deuce.

Zverev shanks a relatively straightforward return, and the Spaniard has advantage. Back to deuce now, Carreno Busta has hit a backhand long. Ooh mistake now, from the Spaniard, and Zverev has a break point. Could he take an early lead? Not yet, at least. His backhand can’t clear the net and we’re back on deuce. These is a long game we’re playing. Carreno Busta comes up with a big serve to get the advantage. Carreno Busta holds after an error from the German.

Pablo Carreno Busta* 1-1 Alexander Zverev(* denotes next server)

Carreno Busta wins a point with a gorgeous forehand winner. Precision over power from the Spaniard. Zverev makes it 15-15 with a serve-forehand combination. Zverev ace. One more big serve, and Carreno Busta can’t return. 40-15. Zverev holds after an error from Carreno Busta.

Pablo Carreno Busta 1-0 *Alexander Zverev(* denotes next server)

Pablo Carreno Busta gets us underway. He lands the first serve, and gets the first point of the match after an error from Zverev. 30-0 after another error. One more error from Zverev on a backhand. Carreno Busta’s serves aren’t huge, but they’re well-placed. And he holds.

Both players are out onto the court and we’re minutes away from beginning!

Alexander Zverev’s path to the semi-final:

Pablo Carreno Busta’s path to the semi-final:

The Spaniard has played a couple of marathon matches, but he shouldn’t be too tired, considering what happened in his matchup against Novak Djokovic.

Earlier in the day: Laura Siegemund and Vera Zvonareva win the women’s doubles championship in straight sets!

Up first, Pablo Carreno Busta takes on Alexander Zverev!

The pair have met just one time in the past, with that match coming in the semi-finals of the ATP Masters 1000 Miami in 2018. Zverev emerged victorious on that occasion, winning 7-6(4), 6-2!

Hello and welcome to our coverage of the US Open!

Tonight we’ll be giving you all the latest updates from two blockbuster matches, as Alexander Zverev takes on Pablo Carreno Busta in the first men’s singles semi-final, followed by a tantalising clash between second seed Dominic Thiem and third seed Daniil Medvedev!