It took four hours and eight minutes for Pablo Carreno Busta, 29, to defeat Denis Shapovalov, 21, in the quarterfinals of the US Open inside Arthur Ashe Stadium in New York.
After the numbers 3–6, 7-6 (7/5), 7–6 (7/4), 0–6 and 6–3, the Spaniard is in his second grand slam semifinal in his career.
Got treatment for the back
Three years ago, in the same tournament, the 27-ranked Spaniard fell in the semifinals against Kevin Anderson.
But against the young Shapovalov it was a long way off.
When the Canadian won the fourth set outright, Carreno Busta was forced to treat his back.
Every now and then he looked defeated, but that did not happen.
At position 3-2, he broke Shapovalov's serve and was then able to keep the distance.
- I'm cracked, but very happy after this match.
It's great to be in the semifinals again.
I thrive here in the United States, he says.
Alexander Zverev is now waiting in the semis, after the German defeated Borna Coric with the numbers 1-6 7-6 (5) 7-6 (1) 6-3 earlier in the day.