Zverev and Gauff ease into US Open last 16 but Alex Eala falls to Jovic

Alexander Zverev kept his bid for a second Grand Slam title alive with a straightforward win over Alejandro Tabilo, while Coco Gauff stayed strong to reach the fourth round of the US Open as several of her fellow Americans crashed out.

Naomi Osaka overcame a mental and physical battle to outlast Belgium’s Elise Mertens in a three-setter on Louis Armstrong Stadium on Saturday.

Two of the brightest young prospects in the women’s draw, and close friends off the court, put on a show as American Iva Jovic edged Filipina Alexandra Eala in a thrilling clash at Arthur Ashe Stadium.

After back-to-back five-setters, top seed Zverev finally enjoyed a quieter night as he overcame a small mid-match dip to see off 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 at 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, worked through a challenge after letting slip a one-set and break advantage before managing an Achilles niggle to beat Mertens 6-3, 3-6, 7-5.

The match was as much a test of Osaka’s composure as her tennis, with the 28-year-old showing visible frustration before regaining control in the decider.