Sports
Zverev Cruises Into US Open Quarterfinals as Świątek and Tien Fall
Top-seeded Alexander Zverev advanced to the U.S. Open quarterfinals in New York after a straight-sets victory over Luciano Darderi, 21st seed, in a night match at Arthur Ashe Stadium. The French Open champion won 6-2, 6-2, 7-6(3), completing the men's quarterfinal lineup after two earlier five-set battles in previous rounds.
Zverev will next face Botic van de Zandschulp, while other men's quarterfinal matchups include Karen Khachanov against Alexander Blockx (28), Frances Tiafoe (11) versus Alex Michelsen, and Ben Shelton (8) against Carlos Alcaraz (2). With at least one American guaranteed a semifinal spot, there remains a possibility of an all-American matchup later in the tournament.
Speaking after his win, Zverev praised his opponent: "I thought my level was very consistent. He started playing incredibly well in the third set. I barely saw anyone hit the ball as hard as he did consistently for an entire set, so credit to him. He made it very difficult for me, but I'm happy to be in the quarterfinals and happy to be playing this way." He joked about his early finish, saying he wasn't sure whether to head to the practice court or a bar.
On the women's side, fourth seed Coco Gauff defeated fellow American Iva Jović (14) 6-1, 6-4 to reach the quarterfinals. She will face Mirra Andreeva (5), who also advanced. Other women's quarterfinal matchups include top seed Aryna Sabalenka against Linda Nosková (6), and Jessica Pegula (3) versus Emma Navarro (26).
There were upsets as well. Learner Tien (14) was eliminated in a five-set battle against Karen Khachanov on Louis Armstrong Stadium. Eighth seed Iga Świątek suffered a stunning defeat to Zheng Qinwen, losing 7-5, 6-3 after leading the first set 5-0. Elena Rybakina (2) advanced by defeating Naomi Osaka (13) and will face Zheng Qinwen in the quarterfinals.
With the quarterfinal fields now set in both draws, play continues at Arthur Ashe Stadium, with day sessions starting at 11:30 a.m. ET and night sessions at 7 p.m. ET.