CAPE TOWN – South Africa’s Kevin Anderson held out for a 6-1 6-7(3) 6-3 7-6(4) win over Germany’s Mischa Zverev in their third-round French Open clash on Court 1 at Roland Garros in Paris on Saturday.
The sixth-seeded Anderson wrapped up the match in just under three hours.
As always, Anderson produced a strong service performance, although he double-faulted six times while cracking 16 aces against four from the 64th-ranked Zverev.
Anderson compiled a 56-19 advantage in winners, and held serve throughout the four-setter, winning an impressive 85% of first-serve points.
The seventh-ranked Anderson, the 2017 US Open runner-up, will now meet Argentina’s 12th-ranked Diego Schwartzman in Sunday’s fourth round.
In their past two meetings, Anderson won on both occasions, and significantly, one match was played on clay at the Open de Nice Côte d’Azur.
4 sets pour @KAndersonATP et une place en 8e ! Victoire 6-1 6-7 6-3 7-6 sur l'Allemand Misha Zverev. Le Sud Africain a rendez-vous avec l'Argentin @dieschwartzman au prochain tour ! #RG18 pic.twitter.com/gvJQ566waf
— Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) June 2, 2018
After three rounds, Schwartzman is yet to drop a set at this year’s French Open.
On Saturday, Schwartzman, the 11th seed, was impressive in his 7-5 6-3 6-3 win over Croatian Borna Coric.