U.S. Open: Zverev beats Darderi and the clock to reach quarterfinals

Alexander Zverev put a slow start to his U.S. ​Open campaign further behind him as the top-seeded German defeated ‌Italian Luciano Darderi 6-2 6-2 7-6(3) on Monday ​and moved into the quarter-finals.

Playing his fourth ⁠straight night-session match and having endured two-five-setters along the way, the 29-year-old was in no mood to hang around and powered ‌through the first set after absorbing some late pressure on his otherwise solid serve.

The 2020 finalist ‌raced through the next set and staved of ‌a ⁠spirited comeback attempt in the third to finish ⁠before midnight for the first time this year in New York.

"I don't know what to do with myself, because it's before midnight," said ​Zverev, who pointed to ‌his watch when the match ended at around 11.48 p.m.