The U.S. Open quarterfinals matchup between Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner was historic in more than one way.
The five-set epic -- won by Alcaraz 6-3, 6-7(7), 6-7(0), 7-5, 6-3 -- lasted five hours and 15 minutes. The contest began on Wednesday night and didn't wrap up until 2:50 a.m. ET on Thursday, setting a record for the latest finish in U.S. Open history.
At 19, Alcaraz is the youngest Grand Slam men's semifinalist since fellow Spaniard Rafael Nadal accomplished the feat in 2005 at Roland Garros. Alcaraz is also the youngest U.S. Open semifinalist since Pete Sampras, who won the crown in 1990.
Along the way, back in the second set of the marathon affair and less than two hours into the match, the teenager provided perhaps the shot of the tournament.
The point of the tournament brought to you by @carlosalcaraz pic.twitter.com/ylewLwrqxu
— US Open Tennis (@usopen) September 8, 2022
In the opening round of the tournament, Alcaraz had another highlight-reel shot, saving break point in the second set against Sebastian Baez with a "tweener."
Alcaraz is the fourth-ranked men's tennis player in singles play and will take on No. 26 Frances Tiafoe in the semifinals. With his quarterfinals win on Wednesday, Tiafoe became the first American male since 2006 to reach the U.S. Open semifinals.
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