Zverev Triumphs Over Muller to Advance in U.S. Open

Germany's Alexander Zverev advanced to the U.S. Open's third round by defeating Alexandre Muller 6-4, 7-6(5), 6-1. Battling harsh conditions and Muller's resilience, Zverev demonstrated clutch performances, especially in the second-set tiebreaker. The win sets up a clash with Argentina's Tomas Martin Etcheverry next.

Germany's Alexander Zverev advanced to the U.S. Open's third round on Wednesday, overcoming Alexandre Muller 6-4, 7-6(5), 6-1 on the sweltering Louis Armstrong Stadium court. The fourth-seeded Zverev fired 15 aces and used tactical drop-shots to sustain his quest for a maiden major after being a runner-up at Roland Garros.

Zverev faced little trouble from world No. 77 Muller, who tallied 41 unforced errors and played through a leg injury amid oppressive heat and humidity at Flushing Meadows. After a shaky start in round one, the German broke Muller's serve in the opening game, setting the tone to capture the first set.

Despite clutching a leg injury, Muller returned fiercely post a medical time-out, coming close to taking the second set. However, Zverev showed resilience, clinching the tiebreaker with a line-hugging backhand and cruising through the third set to seal the victory with an ace. He will next face Tomas Martin Etcheverry of Argentina.

(With inputs from agencies.)