US Open 2023: Carlos Alcaraz defeats Alexander Zverev to set up a clash with Daniil Medvedev in the semifinal

Defending champion Carlos Alcaraz produced a performance consistent with his top form to reach the US Open 2023 semi-finals by defeating No. 12 seed Alexander Zverev 6-3, 6-2, 6-4 at Arthur Ashe Stadium on Wednesday.

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Both players hit a flurry of impressive baseline winners during the opening set. But when Zverev was serving at 3-4, the German gifted a breakpoint to his opponent with three consecutive unforced errors. After that, Alcaraz took advantage of the opportunity and hit a smash winner and then comfortably maintained the lead.

Zverev's challenge in the US Open 2023 quarterfinals began to take hold in the second set as it became clear that defeating Alcaraz would require more than marathon magic from him. Alcaraz sensed his opponent's diminishing foot speed and raised his level in the second set. He cracked a backhand winner to tie Zverev at 1–1 and earned an insurance break with a forehand winner four games later. Alcaraz closed out the set easily 5-2 on his serve and took a commanding two-set lead.

Zverev took a medical timeout before the start of the third set, but it did little to stop Alcaraz's momentum. Although he stuck with the Spaniard for most of the third set, Alcaraz raised his level when it mattered most. He broke Zverev at 4-4 with a powerful slice forehand and bowed him out of the match after two hours and 30 minutes of play.

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Alcaraz made the best of four of four break points and converted each one with a winner. He also saved all five break points against him.

Alcaraz will face No. 3 seed and 2021 US Open champion Daniil Medvedev in the US Open 2023 semifinals. Medvedev defeated No. 8 seed Andrey Rublev earlier in the day. With wins in both the Indian Wells final and Wimbledon semi-finals this year, Alcaraz leads their head-to-head series 2-1.