Daijiworld Media Network - New York

New York, Sep 6: Alexander Zverev kept his bid for a second Grand Slam title alive with a straightforward victory over Alejandro Tabilo, while Coco Gauff advanced to the fourth round of the US Open as several of her fellow Americans crashed out.

Naomi Osaka overcame a demanding mental and physical battle to defeat Belgium's Elise Mertens in three sets at Louis Armstrong Stadium.

Two of the brightest young prospects in the women's draw and close friends off the court also produced a thrilling contest, with American Iva Jovic edging Filipina Alexandra Eala in a three-set battle at Arthur Ashe Stadium.

After consecutive five-set matches, top seed Zverev enjoyed a more comfortable outing as he overcame a brief mid-match dip to defeat Chile's Tabilo 6-2, 7-6(2), 6-2.

“I think today was definitely much better than the last couple of days. I think I improved a lot from the baseline,” Zverev said.

“I wasn't happy with the second set. I think especially the end of the second set I lost focus a little bit. I was not moving as well. I was not playing as well. But I think the first and third sets are a big improvement to the other days. I'll try to focus on that.”

Japanese 13th seed Osaka, a two-time US Open champion, had to overcome a difficult challenge after surrendering a one-set and break advantage. She also battled an Achilles niggle before defeating Mertens 6-3, 3-6, 7-5.

The match tested Osaka's composure as much as her tennis, with the 28-year-old showing visible frustration before regaining control in the deciding set.

“Honestly, I didn't feel like I played amazing, and it was really getting me down, like I was very negative on myself, so I'm really sorry about my behavior,” an emotional Osaka said.

Jovic, 18, and Eala, 21, traded momentum throughout a contest lasting more than three hours before the American prevailed 7-5, 3-6, 7-5. The 14th seed will next face compatriot and fan favourite Gauff.

Fourth seed Gauff had earlier provided one of the day's biggest positives for the home fans, with the 22-year-old defeating Spain's Cristina Bucsa 6-3, 6-4. The 2023 champion is aiming for a third Grand Slam title.

Second seed Elena Rybakina also continued her pursuit of a third major title and the world No. 1 ranking by beating Yuliia Starodubtseva 7-6(6), 6-3.

Australian Open champion Rybakina avenged her second-round defeat by the Ukrainian at the French Open. The Kazakh will face Osaka for a place in the quarter-finals.

Iga Swiatek, the 2022 champion, defeated Marie Bouzkova 7-6(3), 7-6(3), while French Open champion Mirra Andreeva advanced with a 6-2, 7-6(5) victory over Nikola Bartunkova.

The day had begun with a series of disappointing exits for the home players.

Former US Open finalists Taylor Fritz, Madison Keys and Amanda Anisimova all crashed out in the third round, dealing a major blow to American hopes at Flushing Meadows.

Ninth seed Fritz had not dropped a set in New York and appeared to be heading towards another routine victory before Argentina's Francisco Cerundolo turned the match around to win 3-6, 4-6, 6-3, 6-4, 6-4.

It was Fritz's earliest US Open exit in four years for the 2024 runner-up. Cerundolo will next face Belgium's Alexander Blockx, who stunned fifth seed Flavio Cobolli 6-7(4), 6-3, 6-0, 6-3.

The American women also endured a difficult day as China's Zheng Qinwen fought back from 0-5 down in the deciding set to defeat 2017 runner-up Keys 1-6, 7-6(3), 7-5 on Grandstand.

Zheng collapsed on the court in celebration after completing the remarkable comeback as she continued her fight back from a career slump.

The Olympic champion had reached the quarter-finals for the second consecutive time only two years ago but was forced to go through qualifying this year after a chronic right elbow injury disrupted her progress.

Last year's runner-up and 10th seed Anisimova was unable to reverse her fortunes in a difficult year at the Grand Slams, losing 6-2, 7-5 to Anastasia Potapova.

Young American wildcard Michael Zheng was another casualty, falling to Frenchman Arthur Gea 7-6(7), 3-6, 4-6, 6-3, 6-2 after failing to complete a comeback.

Gea became only the second lucky loser to reach the fourth round, following fellow Frenchman Corentin Moutet in 2022.

The day ended on a positive note for the home crowd as Learner Tien produced a gritty performance to defeat Czech player Jakub Mensik 6-3, 1-6, 6-7(2), 6-3, 6-4.