SEE: Alexander Zverev breaks Novak Djokovic record in US Open finals in 53-shot rally

Alexander Zverev and Novak Djokovic were battling for a spot in Sunday’s U.S. Open final, offering fans of the Arthur Ashe Stadium a 53-shot record. It is the longest rally ever in the U.S. men’s singles finals – he overtook 51 of Andre Agassi and Pete Sampras in 1999 – Djokovic’s longest rally of the year and the longest rally in the tournament.

The rally came with a 15-40 result in Zverev, with the German finishing the exchange through a winning forehand from the inside out. Djokovic eventually won the set, 6-4, and gave him a one-set advantage.

The clash between Zverev and Djokovic on Friday will decide who will play Daniil Mendelev in Sunday’s final. Mendelev earned a ticket to the U.S. Open final by beating Felix Auger-Aliassime.

Zverev is looking for his first Grand Slam title, while Djokovic is looking for a 21st record. Winning Djokovic in the final would also give him the first Grand Slam of the calendar since 1969.

Both of these have previously brought fireworks to the court as they fought in the finals of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Zvereve angered Djokovic on his way to the Olympic gold.