Zverev, Gauff advance at US Open as home hopes suffer setbacks

New York: Top seed Alexander Zverev and fourth seed Coco Gauff advanced to the fourth round of the US Open on Saturday, while a series of early exits dealt a blow to American hopes at Flushing Meadows. Zverev kept his bid for a second Grand Slam title on track with a 6-2 7-6(2) 6-2 victory over Chile's Alejandro Tabilo. After surviving back-to-back five-set matches earlier in the tournament, the German enjoyed a more straightforward outing despite a brief dip in the second set. "I think today was definitely much better than the last couple of days," Zverev said. Gauff also progressed comfortably, defeating Spain's Cristina Bucsa 6-3 6-4 as the 2023 champion continued her pursuit of a third Grand Slam title. Japan's Naomi Osaka battled through physical and mental challenges to defeat Belgium's Elise Mertens 6-3 3-6 7-5. The two-time US Open champion recovered after surrendering a one-set and break advantage and managing an Achilles issue during the match. Coco Gauff of the U.S. celebrates after winning her third round match against Spain's Cristina Bucsa. REUTERS The victory set up a fourth-round clash with second seed Elena Rybakina, who beat Ukraine's Yuliia Starodubtseva 7-6(6) 6-3. American teenager Iva Jovic edged Filipina Alexandra Eala 7-5 3-6 7-5 in a contest lasting more than three hours. The 18-year-old will next face Gauff. Elsewhere, Iga Swiatek advanced with a 7-6(3) 7-6(3) win over Marie Bouzkova, while French Open champion Mirra Andreeva defeated Nikola Bartunkova 6-2 7-6(5). The day was less successful for several American players. Ninth seed Taylor Fritz squandered a two-set lead before losing 3-6 4-6 6-3 6-4 6-4 to Argentina's Francisco Cerundolo. It marked the earliest US Open exit in four years for last year's runner-up. Madison Keys also exited after China's Zheng Qinwen staged a remarkable comeback from 5-0 down in the deciding set to win 1-6 7-6(3) 7-5. Last year's runner-up Amanda Anisimova was beaten 6-2 7-5 by Russia's Anastasia Potapova. American wildcard Michael Zheng was eliminated by Frenchman Arthur Gea, who became only the second lucky loser to reach the fourth round of the US Open. Home fans ended the night on a positive note as Learner Tien fought back to defeat Czech player Jakub Mensik 6-3 1-6 6-7(2) 6-3 6-4 and book his place in the last 16.