New York: World No. 2 Alexander Zverev continued his pursuit of the US Open title after defeating Chile’s Alejandro Tabilo 6-2, 7-6(2), 6-2 in the third round at Flushing Meadows.
The German, the top seed in New York, finally enjoyed a relatively comfortable outing after being pushed to five sets in each of his opening two matches. Zverev saved two set points in the second set before taking control of the tie-break and completing the victory in straight sets.
The biggest shock in the men’s draw came as Argentina’s Francisco Cerundolo staged a remarkable comeback to eliminate American No. 9 seed Taylor Fritz.
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Cerundolo found himself two sets behind before turning the match around to claim a dramatic 3-6, 4-6, 6-3, 6-4, 6-4 victory and book his place in the last 16.
Poland’s Iga Swiatek, the eighth seed and 2022 US Open champion, survived a stern challenge from Czech Republic’s Marie Bouzkova, winning 7-6(3), 7-6(3). Swiatek saved three set points in the second set and won both tie-breaks by identical scores to advance to the fourth round.
American fourth seed Coco Gauff also moved safely into the last 16, defeating Spain’s Cristina Bucsa 6-3, 6-4. The 2023 US Open champion produced another composed performance at Arthur Ashe Stadium to keep her title hopes alive.
Two-time US Open champion Naomi Osaka had a tougher route through, battling past Belgium’s Elise Mertens 6-3, 3-6, 7-5. Osaka, who appeared to struggle with a lower-leg problem during the deciding set, recovered to win three consecutive games late in the match before sealing victory.
There was disappointment, however, for American Amanda Anisimova. The No. 10 seed and runner-up at the previous edition was knocked out in the third round by Anastasia Potapova, who recorded a 6-2, 7-5 victory.
Meanwhile, defending champion and world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka continued her impressive run by defeating American Taylor Townsend 6-4, 6-3 to reach the quarter-finals without dropping a set.
Sabalenka, chasing a third consecutive US Open crown, extended her winning streak at Flushing Meadows to 18 matches with the victory.
She will next face Czech Republic’s Linda Noskova, who defeated Ukraine’s 11th seed Marta Kostyuk 7-5, 5-7, 6-4 to secure her place in the last eight.
