Zverev Sails Through and Osaka Survives US Open Scare

Top seed Alexander Zverev cruised into the last 16 of the US Open after a comfortable straight sets win over Alejandro Tabilo in New York.

There were some question marks over Zverev after the 29-year-old was taken to five sets in each of his opening two matches, but he was much more himself at the Arthur Ashe Stadium overnight, winning 74% of points on his first serve and converting almost half of his break points.

Next up for Zverev is 21st seed Luciano Darderi, after the Italian beat Australian Dane Sweeney in straight sets.

Americans Experience Mixed Results

Elsewhere in the men’s draw, home favourite Taylor Fritz was stunned by Francisco Cerundolo, despite the American no.2 taking the opening two sets.

But there was more joy for Fritz’ compatriots, with Ben Shelton beating Denis Shapovalov in four sets, while Francis Tiafoe comfortably beat 23rd seed Valentin Vacherot to set up a clash with Daniil Medvedev in the Fourth Round.

Osaka Recovers From Final Set Scare

Two-time US Open champion Naomi Osaka breathed a huge sigh of relief as she was taken all the way by Belgian Elise Mertens.

Both players traded 6-3 sets to take us to a decider, and Mertens was on her way to causing an upset when she broke in game five before going to within two games of victory.

But Osaka took five of the following six games to clinch a dramatic win and secure a fascinating last-16 clash with Australian Open winner Elena Rybakina.

And like in the men’s draw, the American contingent had a mixed night.

Coco Gauff booked her place in the Fourth Round after beating Spain’s Cristina Busca, but Amanda Anisimova and Madison Keys are out, with the latter losing to Qinwen Zheng despite leading 5-0 in the deciding set.