Alexander Zverev overcomes faltering Tabila to reach US Open fourth round

Alexander Zverev survived a mid-match wobble to maintain his push to advance to the US Open by beating 25th seed Alejandro Tabil 6-2, 7-6(2), 6-2 on Saturday. The top seed settled down after surrendering a second-set lead to book a place in the fourth round at Flushing Meadows.

Zverev entered the match after spending nine hours and 26 minutes on court in five-set battles against Lorenzo Sonego and Quentin Halys. The German made sure that he would not be dragged into the next marathon. He made a sensational start against Tabil and won the opening set in 43 minutes.

The 29-year-old broke Tabil twice earlier and dictated proceedings with his powerful punches. He continued in the same vein at the start of the second set, moving 4-2 ahead and looking firmly in control before his level unexpectedly dropped.

Tabilo cashed in, winning three games in a row and moving into the game as he took the set. Zverev eventually halted the slide and forced a tiebreak where he rediscovered his rhythm. After Tabilo won two of the opening three points, Zverev reeled off six straight to take the set and firmly take command.

ZVEREV PROCEEDS ON

The German carried this momentum into the decider, even though Tabilo threatened to create break opportunities in the opening game. Zverev held firm and used two winners to escape danger before Tabil’s backhand error gave him the game.

From there, Zverev took control. He took a 4-2 advantage in the 12-point game, eventually converting after Tabilo double-faulted and held serve to move within game victory.

The best seed then closed the competition without further problems. He finished with 42 winners compared to Tabila’s 22 and converted six of his 13 break chances as the Chilean struggled to maintain a level that briefly unsettled his opponent.

Zverev’s win sends him into the fourth round, where he will face 21st seed Luciano Darderi. Advancement to the quarter-finals will be contested when the pairs meet in the last 16.

– The end

Issued by:

Debodinna Chakraborty

Published on:

06 Sep 2026 12:19 IST