Zverev and Rybakina Advance to the US Open Quarterfinals
Alexander Zverev and Elena Rybakina secured their places in the quarterfinals of the US Open after convincing victories on the ninth day of the final Grand Slam tournament of the season.
Zverev, the French Open champion and top seed in the men’s draw, faced Italy’s Luciano Darderi in New York. The German player controlled the match from the opening game and won in straight sets, 6-2, 6-2, 7-6.
The match was largely dictated by Zverev’s powerful baseline game. He put consistent pressure on Darderi’s service games, created early breaks and prevented his opponent from establishing a regular rhythm. Although the Italian resisted more strongly in the third set, Zverev remained composed in the tiebreak and completed the victory without dropping a set.
This result sends Zverev into the final eight, where he will meet Dutch player Botic van de Zandschulp. The upcoming quarterfinal promises a contrast in styles: Zverev is expected to rely on his heavy serve, strong groundstrokes and experience in the latter stages of major tournaments, while van de Zandschulp will look to extend rallies and force errors.
Rybakina also produced a decisive performance in the women’s draw. The second seed and reigning Australian Open champion defeated Japan’s Naomi Osaka 6-1, 6-4. Rybakina took control early, using her serve and aggressive first-strike tennis to prevent Osaka from settling into the contest.
The Kazakh player’s ability to win quick points with her first serve proved especially important. She also maintained pressure from the baseline, limiting Osaka’s opportunities to attack. Despite a stronger effort from the Japanese former champion in the second set, Rybakina closed out the match in straight sets.
Rybakina’s next opponent will be China’s Qinwen Zheng. Their quarterfinal encounter will bring together two powerful players capable of producing a high number of winners. Rybakina will aim to dictate play with her serve and forehand, while Zheng will try to use her movement and counterattacking ability to disrupt the second seed’s rhythm.
The women’s quarterfinal line-up also includes defending 2023 champion Coco Gauff. The American fourth seed defeated compatriot Iva Jovic 6-1, 6-4 and continued her campaign with another disciplined display.
Gauff made an impressive start, taking the first set comfortably and applying pressure in long exchanges. Jovic showed greater resistance in the second set, but Gauff’s defensive speed and ability to turn defense into attack helped her secure the match in two sets.
Gauff will now face Russia’s Mirra Andreeva in the quarterfinals. The match is expected to feature extended rallies and frequent changes in momentum. Gauff’s court coverage and consistency will be tested by Andreeva’s variety, timing and willingness to attack from the baseline.
The results have created an intriguing final stretch in both singles draws. Zverev remains one of the leading contenders in the men’s competition, particularly after another straight-set victory. His physical strength and experience give him an important advantage as the tournament enters its decisive phase.
For Rybakina, the win over Osaka confirms her status as one of the main favorites in the women’s tournament. Her serve remains one of the most effective weapons in the field, and she has shown that she can combine aggressive tennis with the patience required during longer rallies.
The quarterfinal stage will also place greater emphasis on mental strength. At this point in a Grand Slam, players face increased pressure, tighter margins and fewer opportunities to recover from slow starts. Maintaining concentration during crucial games and tiebreaks could prove decisive.
The US Open’s final eight now features a mixture of established champions, top seeds and ambitious younger players. Zverev, Rybakina and Gauff have already demonstrated their ability to handle the demands of the tournament, but the next round will require an even higher level of consistency.
With the competition becoming increasingly intense, every service game and break-point opportunity may shape the outcome. Zverev and Rybakina will enter their quarterfinals as favorites on paper, yet their opponents have reached this stage by overcoming serious challenges and will be determined to prevent them from progressing further.