Zverev rallies and defeats Dimitrov in an electrifying clash at the US Open, securing his spot in the fourth round

Alexander Zverev came from a set down to defeat Grigor Dimitrov 6-7(2), 7-6(8), 6-1, 6-1 and advance to the fourth round of the US Open.

The 2020 US Open finalist returned to the tournament after his absence in 2022 due to an ankle injury suffered during Roland Garros. His last participation was in 2021 when he reached the semifinals but fell to Novak Djokovic.

This time, the German made a comfortable comeback with victories over world No. 50 Aleksander Vukic and world No. 53 Daniel Altmaier. However, he faced a tougher challenge against the 19th seed, Grigor Dimitrov.

The Bulgarian endured a thrilling victory in his opening match against Alex Molcan, coming back from two sets down and winning in the super tie-break of the fifth set with a score of 6-7(9), 6-7(5), 6-1, 7-5, 7-6(9). In the second round, he comfortably defeated Andy Murray (6-3, 6-4, 6-1).

The first set was tightly contested, with the first break coming from Zverev, but Dimitrov quickly responded to even it at 2-2. Without any new break points for either player, they held their serves until the set reached a tie-break. Dimitrov was more precise and took the lead with two mini-breaks, eventually winning the set 7-6(2).

The second set followed a similar narrative, with Dimitrov being the first to secure a break and go up 4-2. Zverev fought back to force the match into another tie-break. This time, both players had two set points in their favor, but it was 'Sascha' who capitalized first, leveling the match with a 7-6(8) score.

From there on, unforced errors increased against Zverev's impeccable defense, and he sailed through the next two sets, both by a score of 6-1, securing five breaks in total.

The final result was 6-7(2), 7-6(8), 6-1, 6-1, advancing once again to the fourth round in Flushing Meadows.

His next challenge will be against world No. 6 Jannik Sinner, who defeated Stan Wawrinka in four sets. They previously faced off at the 2021 US Open, with Zverev claiming victory and leading the head-to-head 3-1.