Zverev takes action with the employment of six matchballs.

Alexander Zverev Advances to Third Round of US Open

Alexander Zverev, the German tennis star, secured his place in the third round of the US Open after a hard-fought victory over Jacob Fearnley. The match, played in the Louis Armstrong Stadium, ended with a score of 6:4, 6:4, 6:4.

Zverev started the match strongly, breaking Fearnley's serve in the first game. However, he struggled with unforced errors throughout the match, showing frustration towards his box at times. The second set was a fluctuating affair, with Zverev initially taking the lead, only to double-fault and fall into a 2:3 deficit. He regained his composure and took the momentum back with a break to lead 4:3, eventually winning the set.

In the third set, Zverev seemed to be heading towards a clear victory, but Fearnley fought back, making it a close match. Zverev, however, held his nerve and won the match, missing his first match point at 5-1 but eventually sealing the victory after 2 hours and 28 minutes.

Despite the victory, Zverev is still far from his best form in the tournament. His back, which has been causing him problems, is not expected to improve in the next two weeks. This could potentially affect his performance in the upcoming matches.

Meanwhile, Laura Siegemund also made it to the third round in the women's singles. This is her first time reaching this stage since 2016. She defeated Russian Anastassija Sacharowa with a score of 6:4, 6:2, despite a bandaged thigh and a still not fully healed muscle injury.

Other notable contenders for advancing to the quarterfinals or beyond in the women's singles include Aryna Sabalenka, Coco Gauff, Iga Swiatek, Jessica Pegula, and Amanda Anisimova.

In the next round, Zverev will face Canadian Felix Auger-Aliassime on Saturday. Jan-Lennard Struff, another German player, will face American crowd favorite Frances Tiafoe on Friday.

Fearnley, who had received treatment midway through the first set, seemed to improve his game in the second set. Despite his valiant effort, he was unable to overcome Zverev's resilience. As the tournament progresses, all eyes will be on Zverev to see if he can maintain his form and make a deep run in the US Open.

Zverev takes action with the employment of six matchballs.