Updates: Carreno Busta Takes Lead vs. Zverev In US Open SF

Pablo Carreno Busta is off to a quick start in his second US Open semi-final, taking the first set from favoured fifth seed Alexander Zverev 6-3 inside Arthur Ashe Stadium.

The Spaniard faced a break point in his second service game, but raised his level after that, while Zverev was unable to gain much rhythm. Carreno Busta broke twice in the opening set, playing steady tennis and taking any opportunity to aggressively target the German’s forehand. He also hit two crisp backhand passing shots in the early going to boost his confidence.

Zverev has chosen to hit his backhand whenever possible. On the first break point Carreno Busta converted in the opening set, the Spaniard was pulled way off the court on his forehand wing, leaving Zverev plenty of room to finish into the open court. The 2018 Nitto ATP Finals champion chose to hit a backhand rather than taking a few steps to punish a forehand, ultimately mis-hitting the ball well out.

Zverev has shown no signs of panic or frustration, though. This is not unfamiliar territory for the 23-year-old, who lost the first set in his quarter-final against Borna Coric 1-6 before rallying to find his form.

Both players are pursuing their first appearance in a major final. World No. 27 Carreno Busta is two sets from becoming the second-lowest-ranked tournament finalist since the FedEx ATP Rankings were established in 1973. The man who beat Carreno Busta in the 2017 US Open semi-finals, then-World No. 32 Kevin Anderson, holds that distinction.

Zverev, who is trying to become the first German US Open finalist since Michael Stich in 1994, made his first Grand Slam semi-final earlier this year at the Australian Open.

Nobody remaining in the draw has won a Grand Slam title, guaranteeing a first-time major champion for the first time since the 2014 US Open (Marin Cilic).

from Tennis - ATP World Tour https://ift.tt/33mqvqc