The victory was particularly notable for its speed, as Zverev managed to wrap up the contest before midnight for the first time during this year's campaign. Having played four consecutive night-session matches, the 29-year-old expressed a sense of relief at the early finish, joking about his newfound free time after the match concluded at approximately 11:48 p.m.
A clinical display and a milestone reached
Zverev took control of the match early, utilizing a solid serve to absorb pressure and dictate play. After securing an early break, he raced through the opening set before maintaining his momentum in the second. A key moment arrived when a misplaced drop shot from the 21st-seeded Darderi gifted Zverev a second break, allowing him to establish a commanding 4-0 lead that effectively put the set out of reach for his opponent.
The third set presented a different challenge as Darderi, known for his powerful first serve and tactical drop shots, mounted a spirited comeback. Zverev admitted that the Italian’s intensity increased significantly during this period, noting that he had rarely faced such consistent power. However, the French Open champion regrouped under pressure to clinch the tie-break and seal the win.
Looking ahead to the final four
With this result, Zverev has achieved a significant milestone, becoming the only male player to reach the quarter-finals at all four Grand Slam tournaments this calendar year. Reflecting on his performance, the German noted that his level of play has steadily improved since the opening rounds of the tournament.
Zverev, who has now reached the quarter-finals at the US Open for the fifth time in his career, is set to face Dutchman
