Zverev brushes aside Darderi to reach US Open quarter-finals

Alexander Zverev, the top-seeded German tennis player, overcame a sluggish start to advance to the US Open quarter-finals. He defeated Italian Luciano Darderi 6-2, 6-2, 7-6(3) on Monday, marking his fourth consecutive night-session match. The 29-year-old German athlete, who had already conquered two five-setters earlier, displayed his resilience and solid serve early on.

Darderi, the 21st seed, inadvertently provided Zverev with two breaks in the second set, giving Zverev a commanding 4-0 lead. However, Darderi's powerful serve and strategic drop shots put pressure on Zverev in the third set. Despite the challenge, Zverev managed to regroup and clinch the match, becoming the sole competitor to reach the quarter-finals at all four Grand Slams this year. Zverev will now face Dutchman Botic van de Zandschulp in the semi-finals.