Querrey tramples over Zverev to reach quarter-finals

REUTERS: Sam Querrey, the last American man standing at the US Open, would not be knocked off his feet as he strolled into the quarter-finals at Flushing Meadows with a 6-2 6-2 6-1 demolition of Germany’s Mischa Zverev on Sunday.

What looked an intriguing matchup of styles between the big-hitting American and Zverev, a left-handed serve-volleyer, was rendered a one-sided show for a delighted capacity crowd at Arthur Ashe Stadium.

Querrey, looking to followup his semi-final run at Wimbledon with an even better effort at Flushing Meadows, needed just 77 minutes to dismiss the German to become the first American to reach the US Open quarter-finals since Andy Roddick in 2011.

It was a ruthless performance by Querrey as he bombarded Zverev with 18 aces and avenged the German’s victory over top seeded American John Isner in the third round.

Querrey stormed out of the gate breaking his 30-year-old opponent at the first opportunity and again to clinch the opening set in a lightning quick 24 minutes. After tearing through the second set, Querrey charged to 5-0 in the third as Zverev, who opened the tournament with two five-set matches, appeared completely out of gas. Next up for Querrey will be South Africa’s Kevin Anderson who was a 6-4 6-3 6-7 (4) 6-4 winner over Italian Paolo Lorenzi.

Kvitova downs Muguruza to reach quarter-finals

REUTERS: Petra Kvitova signalled her return to top form eight months after sustaining a career-threatening hand injury with an impressive 7-6(3) 6-3 win over pre-tournament favourite Garbine Muguruza to reach the US Open quarter-finals on Sunday.

The Czech was sidelined for five months after being stabbed in her left playing hand by an intruder at her home and although the 13th seed has gradually moved towards her best level, Muguruza was the hot favourite under the lights at Arthur Ashe Stadium.

The Spanish third seed Muguruza had only dropped nine games en route to the fourth round and her poise, pace and power helped her quickly open a 4-1 lead.

Kvitova then staved off a break point and it jump-started her game.

Targeting her opponent’s misfiring forehand, Kvitova levelled to 4-4 and had break points at 5-4 and 6-5 before sealing the tiebreak.

The twice Wimbledon champion, who will next face local favourite Venus Williams, the ninth seed, stayed composed while Muguruza grew increasingly nervous, challenging line calls with no apparent reason as Kvitova moved her left and right with her crafty left hand.

Muguruza seemed back on track in the second set when she broke in the first game but Kvitova grabbed it back and cantered to a 4-1 lead as the Spaniard was given a warning for coaching.

Muguruza hung in by her teeth but she wasted three chances to break back in the ninth game before Kvitova prevailed on her second match point when the Spaniard sent a forehand long.