Alexander Zverev defeats Jannik Sinner and regains confidence ahead of US Open quarter-final test

The marathon match continued into the early morning of Tuesday, with Zverev pipping the Italian 6-4, 3-6, 6-2, 4-6, 6-3.

Sinner, 22, struggled with cramps during the second and third sets of the encounter in very hot conditions but still gave a good account of himself to push the German into the fifth set.

The world number 12 managed to produce 14 more winners to seven in the final set to claim it after nearly five hours of action.

"I guess I can say I'm back, right?" said the 26-year-old Zverev. 

"This is what I live for, this is what I absolutely love to do. I wish I could have played a little bit shorter, that's for sure, but last year when I wasn't able to play, these were exactly the moments I missed. Until 1:30 a.m. in front of a packed crowd on Arthur Ashe Stadium. There's nothing better."

Zverev had left the 2022 French Open in a wheelchair after rolling his ankle chasing down a Rafael Nadal forehand, an injury which ruled him out for the rest of the season.

The German was convinced the injury cost him an opportunity to win a first Grand Slam title citing his impressive form at the time, however, he has made great strides since his return during this season following his lengthy spell on the sidelines.

"To be honest this is one of the best moments of my career, I think. After my comeback, after everything, so I'm looking forward to what's next."

The current Hamburg European Open title champion will now face top seed Spaniard Carlos Alcaraz, 20, at the Arthur Ashe Stadium tomorrow in what is expected to be a humdinger of a clash.