NEW YORK, SEP 6 (IANS): The 2026 US Open continued to deliver high drama and landmark performances as top seeds and rising stars battled through intense encounters to secure their places in the fourth round.
Zverev cruises past Tabilo to enter round of 16
Top-seeded German Alexander Zverev overcame Chile’s Alejandro Tabilo in straight sets, 6-2, 7-6(2), 6-2, at Arthur Ashe Stadium. After enduring two marathon five-set matches earlier in the week, Zverev made relatively quick work of his opponent, sealing victory in two hours and 26 minutes.
The reigning Roland Garros champion saved two set points in the second set before clinching the tie-break with composure. He then carried momentum into the third set, breaking decisively at 3-2 and maintaining control from the baseline to close out the match.
Zverev, reaching the US Open fourth round for the sixth time in his career, will next face 25th seed Luciano Darderi, who defeated Australian wild card Dane Sweeny 6-4, 6-3, 6-3 to secure his maiden appearance in the last 16 of a hard-court major.
Tien wins five-set thriller against Mensik
Fourth-seeded American Learner Tien prevailed in a gripping five-set battle against Czech youngster Jakub Mensik, winning 6-3, 1-6, 6-7(2), 6-3, 6-4 in three hours and 24 minutes at Louis Armstrong Stadium.
The 20-year-old became the youngest American to reach the US Open fourth round since Andy Roddick in 2002, matching the former champion’s record. Tien’s resilience and aggressive shot-making carried him through the deciding set, continuing his career-best run at his home Slam.
He will next face former World No. 8 Karen Khachanov, who eased past Frenchman Benjamin Bonzi 6-3, 6-2, 6-4 to return to the fourth round for the first time since 2022.
Gauff sets up all-American clash with Jovic
World No. 4 Coco Gauff extended her winning streak to nine matches with a 6-3, 6-4 victory over Spain’s Cristina Bucsa. Despite serving inconsistently, Gauff’s defensive skills and net play proved decisive as she converted four of nine break points and won 15 of 22 points at the net.
The Cincinnati champion will now face fellow American teenager Iva Jovic in a highly anticipated fourth-round clash. Jovic, 18, earned her first appearance in the US Open last 16 by defeating Filipina star Alexandra Eala 7-5, 3-6, 7-5 in a three-hour battle.
Gauff and Jovic previously met in Rome earlier this year, with Gauff winning in three sets. Their rematch promises a compelling contest, with Gauff seeking her first US Open quarter-final since 2023.
Jovic ends Eala’s run in three-set battle. Jovic showcased resilience and attacking flair to overcome Eala in a match filled with momentum swings. After trailing 0-2 in the final set, Jovic fought back with aggressive shot-making, striking 44 winners and converting nine of 17 break points.
Eala, who produced 34 winners and impressed at the net, could not match Jovic’s composure in the closing stages. The American sealed victory with an ace before Eala faltered on match point.
Swiatek beats Bouzkova to reach Round of 16
World No. 1 Iga Swiatek battled past No. 25 seed Marie Bouzkova 7-6(3), 7-6(3) in two hours and 27 minutes. The Pole, contesting her sixth consecutive US Open fourth round, saved three set points in the second set before dominating the tie-break.
Despite being broken five times and landing fewer than 60 per cent of her first serves, Swiatek compensated with an all-round display, hitting 35 winners and winning 15 of 17 points at the net. She will next face China’s Zheng Qinwen, against whom she holds a 7-1 record.
Osaka survives Mertens test, Rybakina advances
Four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka overcame Belgian Elise Mertens 6-3, 3-6, 7-5 in a tense encounter lasting two hours and 38 minutes. Osaka, struggling with an Achilles issue, required treatment during the match but adjusted her tactics in the deciding set to prolong rallies and reduce errors.
Despite hitting 39 winners against 41 unforced errors, Osaka held her nerve to seal victory on her fourth match point.
She will now face second seed Elena Rybakina, who defeated Ukrainian Yuliia Starodubtseva 7-6(6), 6-3. Rybakina saved a set point in the opening tie-break and struck 12 aces to secure her place in the last 16.