Zverev Reaches US Open Fourth Round With Win Over Tabilo

Alexander Zverev finally found a faster route through the US Open. The top seed defeated Alejandro Tabilo 6-2, 7-6 (7-2), 6-2 on Saturday to reach the last 16 after laboring through two marathon five-set matches.

Zverev had already spent nine hours and 26 minutes on court in his first two matches. That was the longest time a top seed had needed to reach the third round of a major since 1999. Against Tabilo, the French Open champion appeared determined not to extend the pattern.

“My coach was actually quite smart, he explained to me a best of five set match doesn't mean you have to play five sets,” Zverev said with a quip.

The 25th-seeded Chilean had also arrived with a purpose, seeking revenge for his loss to Zverev in the second round at the same Arthur Ashe Stadium court the previous year. But Zverev produced a brutally efficient opening set. He faced no break point, won all 11 points behind his first serve and took five of seven points on his second serve. He broke Tabilo twice and claimed the set in 38 minutes.

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My coach was actually quite smart, he explained to me a best of five set match doesn't mean you have to play five sets.