Alexander Zverev, nicknamed Sascha, described his performance in Tuesday’s US Open quarter-final loss to Taylor Fritz as “absolutely terrible.” The fourth-ranked German was runner-up in 2020 and was bidding to reach a third semi-final at the tournament and ninth at all the Grand Slams.

However, his dream of finally going on to capture a maiden Slam title was destroyed by US 12th seed Fritz in a 7-6 (7/2), 3-6, 6-4, 7-6 (7/3) defeat. “I did nothing to deserve to win. It’s as simple as that,” said the crestfallen German. “Terrible. Just absolutely terrible by me.”