Zverev eases into last 16 but US Open turns sour for home hopes

Alexander Zverev kept his bid for a second Grand Slam title alive with a routine win over Alejandro Tabilo, but the US Open day brought a series of painful defeats for American players.

The top-seeded German beat Chile’s Tabilo 6-2, 7-6(2), 6-2 after two consecutive five-set matches. Zverev said his first and third sets marked a clear improvement, although he admitted losing focus late in the second.

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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 US Open champion, battled past Belgium’s Elise Mertens 6-3, 3-6, 7-5. Osaka surrendered a one-set and break advantage, managed an Achilles problem and showed visible frustration before recovering control 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.

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I wasn't happy with the second set. I think especially the end of the second set I lost focus a little bit.

Coco Gauff provided the clearest boost for home fans, defeating Spain’s Cristina Bucsa 6-3, 6-4. The 2023 champion is seeking a third Grand Slam title. Elena Rybakina, Iga Swiatek and French Open champion Mirra Andreeva also advanced, with Rybakina setting up a meeting with Osaka.

The American men’s and women’s draws produced a harsher story. Taylor Fritz, the 2024 runner-up, lost to Argentina’s Francisco Cerundolo 3-6, 4-6, 6-3, 6-4, 6-4 after looking set for another straightforward win. Madison Keys fell to Zheng Qinwen after surrendering a 5-0 lead in the deciding set, while Amanda Anisimova also exited.

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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.