Zverev and Gauff ease into US Open last 16 but Alex Eala falls to Jovic | Tennis
Zverev, Gauff Advance as American Players Exit US Open
NEW YORK — Alexander Zverev continued his pursuit of a second Grand Slam title with a decisive victory over Alejandro Tabilo, while fellow American Coco Gauff advanced to the fourth round of the US Open amid a series of setbacks for her compatriots.
Zverev, the tournament’s top seed, triumphed over Tabilo in straight sets, winning 6-2, 7-6(2), 6-2. After a pair of intense five-set matches in earlier rounds, Zverev expressed relief at the more subdued nature of his latest contest.
“I think today was definitely much better than the last couple of days. I think I improved a lot from the baseline,” Zverev said. He acknowledged a dip in focus during the second set but noted significant improvements in the first and third sets.
In an emotional matchup on Louis Armstrong Stadium, two-time US Open champion Naomi Osaka battled back from a one-set lead to overcome Belgium’s Elise Mertens, winning 6-3, 3-6, 7-5. Despite experiencing some frustration during the match, the 28-year-old regained her composure to secure the victory after addressing a minor Achilles injury.
“I didn’t feel like I played amazing, and it was really getting me down,” Osaka admitted. “I’m really sorry about my behaviour.”
In another notable match, American Iva Jovic, 18, triumphed over her friend and fellow young prospect, Alexandra Eala of the Philippines, in a thrilling three-set encounter that lasted more than three hours. Jovic, the 14th seed, edged Eala 7-5, 3-6, 7-5 and will face Gauff next.
Gauff, the fourth seed and 2023 champion, provided a positive highlight for the home crowd by defeating Cristina Bucsa of Spain 6-3, 6-4.
Second seed Elena Rybakina continued her quest for a third major title by defeating Yuliia Starodubtseva 7-6(6), 6-3, avenging her earlier loss to the Ukrainian at the French Open. Rybakina will face Osaka in her next match.
Other top performers included Iga Swiatek, the 2022 champion, who advanced with a 7-6(3), 7-6(3) victory over Marie Bouzkova, and French Open champion Mirra Andreeva, who defeated Nikola Bartunkova 6-2, 7-6(5).
Americans Experience Hardships
Despite successes from Zverev and Gauff, the day was marked by significant exits among American players at Flushing Meadows.
Notable casualties included past US Open finalists Taylor Fritz, Madison Keys, and Amanda Anisimova. Ninth-seeded Fritz, who had not lost a set in the tournament, was eliminated by Argentinian Francisco Cerundolo, who staged a comeback to win 3-6, 4-6, 6-3, 6-4, 6-4.
Keys faced a disappointing defeat against China’s Zheng Qinwen, who came back from a 5-0 deficit in the final set to win 1-6, 7-6(3), 7-5.
Anisimova, the 10th seed and last year’s runner-up, also fell short, losing to Anastasia Potapova 6-2, 7-5.
In a tight match, American wildcard Michael Zheng was unable to overcome Frenchman Arthur Gea, losing 7-6(7), 3-6, 4-6, 6-3, 6-2.
Despite the disappointments, the day concluded on a high note for the home crowd as Learner Tien secured a hard-fought victory over Czech player Jakub Mensik, winning 6-3, 1-6, 6-7(2), 6-3, 6-4.
