Top seed Alexander Zverev lost his way ​in the second set but got his game ‌back under control to secure a ​6- 2, 7-6(2), 6-2 victory over ⁠Alejandro Tabilo and reach the fourth round of the U.S. Open on Saturday (September 5, 2026).

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After spending a gruelling ‌nine hours and 26 minutes on court across back-to-back five-setters against Lorenzo ‌Sonego and Quentin Halys, the last ‌thing ⁠the German would have wanted ⁠was another long night on Arthur Ashe Stadium.

The 29-year-old, who won his first Grand Slam title at ​the French Open and ‌finished runner-up at Wimbledon, stormed out of the blocks by breaking 25th seed Tabilo twice before taking the first set ‌with an unreturnable serve to love.

Zverev ​raced to a 4-2 lead in the second set, but his ⁠level suddenly dropped, allowing world number 28 Tabilo to claim three games in a ‌row and go within touching distance of drawing level in the match.

However, the Chilean was unable to press home the advantage and Zverev, after chiding a courtside fan who appeared to be offering coaching ‌advice during the ensuing tiebreak, rediscovered his composure ​and his best tennis, pulling away to tighten his grip on the ⁠match.

The writing was on the wall for ⁠Tabilo when Zverev raced ahead 5-2 in the third, and the German ‌booked his place in the round of 16 where 21st-seeded Italian Luciano Darderi ​awaits.