US Open: Saved energy – Alexander Zverev dismantles Mahut in round two

Alexander Zverev continues to complete the US Open 2018 in a hurry: As in round one against Peter Polansky, the German number one did not give up a set against Nicolas Mahut either.

By Jens Huiber from New York City

Nicolas Mahut is an old school man. And an excellent double player. Advances to the net belong to the DNA of the Frenchman, who entered the main field of the US Open as Lucky Loser. To Mahut’s misfortune, however, Alexander Zverev stood on the other side of the net on Thursday. And he is well prepared for storm and stress players through many training sessions with his brother Mischa.

No wonder the German number one entered the third round without any problems, winning 6:4, 6:4 and 6:2. Zverev will face either Australian Matthew Ebden or compatriot Philipp Kohlschreiber in round three.

Alexander Zverev smiled at the draw at the US Open, and why not? Pablo Carreno Busta had defeated four qualifiers in a row on his way to the semi-finals a year ago, Zverev had just defeated two players who had only slipped into the semi-finals by the refusals of two main field players.

After winning the first set for sure, Zverev showed a small weakness for the first time in the eighth game of round two, gave up his serve for 4-4. But immediately took the break for the 5:4 and after 72 minutes safely served out for the 2-0 set lead.

Zverev’s match was again set in Louis Armstrong Stadoum – an environment that also captivates with its background noise. The marshalling yard behind an end face does not take any time out, the fans in turn have little regard for the players. A carpet of sound was joined by the summer sultriness, with the prospect of cooling off only starting on Friday.

Zverev was also the first to strike in the third act – the break to 2:1 confirmed the prevailing balance of power. That to 4:1 accelerated the progress of the native hamburger, who used his first match point after only 1:48 hours. With an ace at the second serve.

Here is the men’s single tableau at the US Open