Alexander Zverev overcame a brief mid-match dip to continue his impressive run at the US Open, defeating 25th seed Alejandro Tabilo 6-2, 7-6(2), 6-2 on Saturday. The top seed regained control after allowing his advantage to slip in the second set and secured his place in the fourth round at Flushing Meadows.
Zverev entered the match after already spending nine hours and 26 minutes on court in consecutive five-set encounters against Lorenzo Sonego and Quentin Halys. Determined to avoid another lengthy battle, the German made a dominant start against Tabilo and wrapped up the opening set in just 43 minutes.
The 29-year-old broke Tabilo twice early on and controlled the rallies with his powerful groundstrokes. He carried that authority into the second set, moving 4-2 ahead and seemingly in complete command before his performance suddenly dipped.
Tabilo took advantage of the opportunity, winning three consecutive games to move within one game of levelling the match. Zverev eventually halted the slide and forced a tiebreak. Although Tabilo won two of the first three points, Zverev responded by taking the next six in a row to win the set and restore his advantage.
ZVEREV MARCHES ON
Zverev carried his renewed momentum into the third set, though Tabilo immediately put him under pressure by creating break points in the opening game. The German held his nerve, producing two winners to escape the danger before a backhand error from Tabilo allowed him to hold serve.
Zverev then took control of the set. He secured a break for a 4-2 lead in a 12-point game, eventually converting when Tabilo committed a double fault. He held his serve in the following game to move within one game of victory.
The top seed completed the win without further complications. Zverev struck 42 winners to Tabilo’s 22 and converted six of 13 break-point chances. Tabilo was unable to sustain the level that had briefly troubled Zverev in the second set, allowing the German to close out a straight-sets victory and advance to the last 16.
