Smooth-sailing Zverev and Gauff reach U.S. Open last 16

Alexander Zverev finally found a quieter path through the U.S. Open after two consecutive five-set matches. The top seed beat Chile’s Alejandro Tabilo 6-2, 7-6(2), 6-2 on Saturday to reach the fourth round.

Zverev said his baseline game had improved, although he admitted losing focus late in the second set. “I think today was definitely much better than the last couple of days. I think I improved a lot from the baseline,” he said.

Coco Gauff gave home fans another reason to celebrate, beating Spain’s Cristina Bucsa 6-3, 6-4. The fourth seed, the 2023 champion, is pursuing a third Grand Slam title and will next meet compatriot Iva Jovic, who defeated the Philippines’ Alexandra Eala 7-5, 3-6, 7-5 in a match lasting more than three hours.

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I think today was definitely much better than the last couple of days. I think I improved a lot from the baseline.

Naomi Osaka, the 13th seed and a two-time U.S. Open champion, overcame Belgium’s Elise Mertens 6-3, 3-6, 7-5. Osaka surrendered a one-set and break advantage and managed an Achilles problem before recovering in the deciding set. “Honestly, I didn’t feel like I played amazing, and it was really getting me down, like I was very negative on myself, so I’m really sorry about my behavior,” she said.

Elena Rybakina beat Yuliia Starodubtseva 7-6(6), 6-3 and will face Osaka. Iga Swiatek defeated Marie Bouzkova in two tiebreak sets, while Mirra Andreeva beat Nikola Bartunkova. Earlier, American hopes took a blow when former finalists Taylor Fritz and Madison Keys, along with Amanda Anisimova, lost in the third round.

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Honestly, I didn’t feel like I played amazing, and it was really getting me down, like I was very negative on myself, so I’m really sorry about my behavior.