US Open Update: Day 8, Round 4 (Men’s Singles)

— You’re only as good as your second serve, and that meant big problems for big favorite Zverev; tennis’ new bulldog, Schwartman, makes short work of the long, lanky German, who folded like a house cards on numerous, pathetic second offerings. Where this problem came from … who knows, but he needs to toughen up if he’s to have any real prospects of busting into the upper echelon.
— Matteo drubs Rublev by keeping his flustered opponent off balance, with a most impressive mixture of spins and changing of speeds. This guy is in super shape, and has major court presence (along with an excellent forehand). And great choice of garb (gotta love the Steeler colors).
— Monfils pounds Pablo Andujar, who mistakenly thought he had the door ajar to the quarters.
— At the time of this writing, Cilic was dead palindrome bouncing a tennis ball in his 4th set against Nadal. Who can blame him? Only a select few can must the energy and firepower to take even one set off this guy on hard courts … and that’s exactly what Marin was able to manufacture tonight … just that.