Player of the day: Zverev makes the comeback of his life

The past couple of years, Alexander Zverev has been known as a player with potential and the ability to win Grand Slam titles. His mindset and game seemed to waver on the major stages, but that all changed on Friday.

Zverev rallied his way back from a two-set deficit against Pablo Carreno Busta to post a 3-6, 2-6, 6-3, 6-4, 6-3 win and advance into his first career Grand Slam final. It's been a long time coming for the German who has taken a handful of difficult losses, and it almost appeared his New York semifinal might add to that.

"I was actually looking at the scoreboard when I was down two sets to love," Zverev said in his on-court interview. "I was like I can't believe it, I'm playing in a semifinal where I'm supposed to be the favorite and I'm down two sets to love. I have no chance, I'm playing that bad."

But unlike any match where he has trailed two sets from behind, he was able to pick up his level and stay in points longer to claim the next three sets. The world No. 7's triumph marks the first time he has has come back from two sets down to win.

"I knew I had to play better. I've never come back from two sets to love, that was the first time in my career. I'm happy to do it in this stage," Zverev said.

Fast Facts:

4

Zverev is the fourth German man to reach a single Grand Slam final in the Open Era.

1

He's the first player since 2011 Djokovic vs. Federer US Open semifinal to come back from two sets down.

'03

He's the first German man to reach a major final since Rainer Schuttler in 2003.

The 23-year-old might not have put on his best performance, but he kept his mind in check and continued to work hard and put the ball in the court. The best champions find ways to win on their off days.

He will face Dominic Thiem in Sunday's final.