Zverev reaches US Open fourth round with win over Tabilo

Alexander Zverev, the top seed at the US Open, secured a decisive 6-2, 7-6 (7/2), 6-2 win over Alejandro Tabilo in just two hours and 26 minutes. The German tennis player had already spent nine hours and 26 minutes on court in his previous matches, the longest time for a top seed to reach the third round since 1999. Zverev attributed his improved performance to his coach's advice to not overthink playing a best of five sets.

The match began with Zverev dominating the first set, winning all 11 points on his first serve and five of seven on his second serve. He broke Tabilo twice in the set, taking 38 minutes to secure it. The second set was more evenly contested, with Tabilo pulling off two breaks, including a 5-4 lead. However, Zverev quickly responded, breaking Tabilo again to take a 4-2 lead.

Tabilo pushed back, eventually forcing a tiebreaker that Zverev won. Zverev acknowledged his improvement, stating he felt better from the back of the court and was not happy with his performance in the second set. He thanked his fans for staying until after 1:00 am, as the match didn't start until nearly 11:00 pm due to a lengthy first round match.

Zverev will now face Luciano Darderi in the quarter-finals after the Italian defeated Australian wild card Dane Sweeny 6-4, 6-3, 6-3.