Alexander Zverev is through to the third round of the US Open for the first time in four tries after a 6-4, 6-4, 6-2 victory over French lucky loser Nicolas Mahut on Thursday.
Zverev, the 21-year-old German, who has climbed the world rankings with three ATP titles this year, said he's taking a more serious approach to the Big Apple as he tries to turn around his US Open fortunes.
“I'm doing a lot of stuff different. I don't go out at all,” the 21-year-old said.
“I have my three restaurants that I go to and that's it. I spend the least possible time here on-site because that takes energy away, as well.
“(I'm) having it more like a home tournament for me, like where I am only with my friends, only with my family and my team. I may be enjoying New York a little less, but that gives me the credibility to play better.”
Zverev has also benefitted from a kind draw, taking on Mahut after downing another lucky loser -- Canadian Peter Polansky -- in the first round.
Against Mahut, Zverev fired 10 aces and converted all five break chances to advance in one hour and 49 minutes. Next up is unseeded German Philipp Kohlschreiber.
The two have split four prior matches, including Kohlschreiber's first-round victory in the 2015 US Open.
“Obviously I was much younger and he was better than me back then,” said Zverev, who has won the last two meetings, including a victory in the claycourt Munich final this year.
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