"Carlos Alcaraz in bed sleeping, these guys both dying out there" - Zverev-Sinner US Open match's 'brutal' timing slammed by Serena Williams' ex-coach

Jannik Sinner and Alexander Zverev’s late-night finish at the US Open, while Carlos Alcaraz was waiting to know his last-eight opponent after an early finish, has earned the criticism of Serena Williams' ex-coach Rennae Stubbs.

Sinner and Zverev were locked in an intense fourth-round battle on Monday, September 4. The latter eventually came out on top, defeating the 2022 quarterfinalist 6-4, 3-6, 6-2, 4-6, 6-3 in a thrilling contest.

Despite their struggles with cramps and exhaustion amid the extreme New York heat, both players fought tooth and nail until the end. The clash lasted four hours and 41 minutes and ended past 1:30 am.

Meanwhile Carlos Alcaraz, whom Alexander Zverev will face in the quarterfinals, had the luxury of unwinding and recovering. Alcaraz booked his spot in the last eight earlier in the day with a 6-3, 6-3, 6-4 win over Matteo Arnaldi.

The considerable difference in the timings of the two matches did not sit well with Rennae Stubbs. She hinted at the players being at a disadvantage in their quarterfinal due to the scheduling, and called the sport "brutal."

“Alcaraz in bed sleeping and these guys are both dying out there!! This sport is brutal when your schedule isn’t the same,” Stubbs said on social media.

This isn't the first time that tennis players have dealt with unfavorable timings. Several tournaments have come under fire in recent times for their scheduling issues.

---

Jannik Sinner misses out on US Open quarterfinal rematch vs Carlos Alcaraz as Alexander Zverev advances

Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz at the 2022 US Open

Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz’s 2022 US Open quarterfinal was one for the ages. Alcaraz, the eventual champion, outlasted Sinner 6-3, 6-7 (7), 6-7 (0), 7-5, 6-3 despite being a match point down in the fourth set.

The thrilling contest lasted five hours and 14 minutes, and ended at 2:50 am, setting the record for the latest-ever finish in the tournament's history.

The young rivals seemed headed for another quarterfinal classic in the ongoing 2023 edition. However, 2020 US Open runner-up Alexander Zverev spoiled the party and handed Jannik Sinner his fifth five-set loss at a Grand Slam in the last six contested.

Zverev and Alcaraz are now set for a sixth clash in their budding rivalry. The World No. 1, who has previously admitted that Zverev is a tough opponent to tackle, trails 3-2 in their head-to-head.

Currently ranked 12th in the world, Zverev would be hoping to capitalize on his history against the Spaniard and advance further into the tournament. He is aiming for his maiden Grand Slam title as well as a spot in the top 10 of the ATP rankings.

Alcaraz, meanwhile, is in pursuit of his third Grand Slam title and second of the year.

The winner of this contest will take on either Daniil Medvedev or Andrey Rublev in the semifinals.