Alexander Zverev overcomes Tabilo wobble to reach US Open fourth round
Alexander Zverev beat Alejandro Tabilo in straight sets to reach the US Open fourth round. He recovered from a second-set wobble and set up a last-16 meeting with Luciano Darderi.
Alexander Zverev survived a mid-match wobble to maintain his push for a deep US Open run, defeating 25th seed Alejandro Tabilo 6-2, 7-6(2), 6-2 on Saturday. The top seed recovered his composure after surrendering a lead in the second set to book his place in the fourth round at Flushing Meadows.
Zverev came into the contest having already spent nine hours and 26 minutes on court across back-to-back five-set battles against Lorenzo Sonego and Quentin Halys. The German made sure he would not be dragged into another marathon, making a blistering start against Tabilo and taking the opening set in 43 minutes.
The 29-year-old broke Tabilo twice early and dictated proceedings with his powerful groundstrokes. He continued in the same vein at the start of the second set, moving 4-2 ahead and appearing firmly in control before his level unexpectedly dipped.
Tabilo capitalised, winning three games in succession and moving within a game of taking the set. Zverev eventually stopped the slide and forced a tiebreak, where he rediscovered his rhythm. After Tabilo took two of the opening three points, Zverev reeled off six straight to claim the set and put himself firmly in command.
ZVEREV MARCHES ON
The German carried that momentum into the decider, although Tabilo threatened immediately by creating break-point opportunities in the opening game. Zverev held firm, using two winners to escape danger before Tabilo's backhand error handed him the game.
From there, Zverev took control. He broke for a 4-2 advantage in a 12-point game, eventually converting after Tabilo produced a double fault, and held serve to move within a game of victory.
The top seed then closed out the contest without further trouble. He finished with 42 winners compared with Tabilo's 22 and converted six of his 13 break-point opportunities, while the Chilean struggled to maintain the level that had briefly unsettled his opponent.
Zverev's victory sends him into the fourth round, where he will face 21st seed Luciano Darderi. A place in the quarter-finals will be at stake when the pair meet in the last 16.