Alexander Zverev Seeks Another US Open Night Slot
Alexander Zverev reached the US Open quarterfinals and asked to remain in the night-session schedule.
Zverev moves into the quarterfinals
Alexander Zverev defeated Luciano Darderi to book a place in the US Open quarterfinals. The score was 6-2, 6-2, 7-6 (3). Darderi raised his level in the final set, but Zverev held on through the tiebreak after establishing a clear early advantage.
The result brought a calmer finish. Zverev's opening two matches had gone five sets and ended around 2am, while his past two rounds have both been straight-set wins. Court Shark has him at No. 3, with a 7-3 record from his last ten completed matches. The shorter recent outings could matter as the tournament reaches its closing rounds.
A familiar late slot on Ashe
Arthur Ashe Stadium has hosted every Zverev match at this tournament. Each appearance has been the final match on the main court program. That assignment produced very late finishes early in his campaign, before the more routine results of the last two rounds.
Zverev's latest finish came before midnight. He joked that the earlier ending left him unsure how to use the rest of his evening. The comment reflected how unusual a quicker exit felt after his first week of late starts. He also said he would ask for another night session.
A joke with Federer and Sampras in mind
Zverev put his request in perspective by mentioning Roger Federer and Pete Sampras. Federer won 78 matches at Arthur Ashe Stadium, while Sampras won 112. Zverev used those totals to make clear that the stadium does not belong to him.
Instead, he described himself as a temporary renter of the court during the tournament's late hours. It was a playful answer, but the timing issue is real. His first two matches had stretched deep into the night, and he has become closely associated with the final slot on Ashe. The next schedule will show whether that pattern continues.
Van de Zandschulp awaits
Botic van de Zandschulp will face Zverev in the quarterfinals later this week. The unseeded player is next, while the time and court assignment remain undecided. Zverev has already made his preference clear.
The tournament has fewer singles matches available as the draw contracts. Night sessions had included one women's singles match and one men's singles match, but that format cannot continue with fewer players remaining. Zverev's request therefore comes with a practical limit. His focus now turns to van de Zandschulp and the next stage of his US Open run.
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