Carlos Alcaraz is into the semi-final of a Major for the first time in his career after defeating Next Gen rival Jannik Sinner in the second-longest match in US Open history. 

Entering their fourth tour level meeting, Sinner led the Spaniard 2-1 in their head-to-head, including victory in their only Slam match in the fourth round of Wimbledon in July.

But Alcaraz rose above the Italian, saving a match point along the way, to win 6-3, 6-7 (7-9), 6-7 (0-7), 7-5, 6-3 after five hours and 14 minutes of tennis of the highest quality.

On top of being the second longest match ever at the American Slam, the battle was also the latest finishing match in tournament history, wrapping up at 2:50am local time.

“The energy I receive on this court at 3am, it was unbelievable,” Alcaraz said in his post-match press conference. “I mean, probably in other tournaments, other places, everybody went to their house to rest. But they stayed in the court, supporting me. It was unbelievable.”

Three of the four men in the semi-finals, Karen Khachanov, Frances Tiafoe and Alcaraz, will make their debut at that stage of Slam, with French Open finalist Casper Ruud the only one with experience in the last four of a Major.

Alcaraz will face home favourite Tiafoe next, who made history as the first American man into the US Open semi-finals since 2006 by defeating Andrey Rublev in straight sets.

“It’s going to be really, really tough,” Alcaraz said previewing the encounter. “Frances, everybody knows the level of Frances. He has beaten Rafa Nadal, Rublev in three sets. He’s playing unbelievable right now. High confidence.”