Andrey Rublev has never made it past the quarterfinals of any of the four Grand Slam tournaments. [Getty Images]
Andrey Rublev bounced back from dropping two sets in scorching heat to beat Arthur Linderknef and reach the third round of the U.S. Open.
Sixth seed Rublev slumped at the end of the second set and was struggling physically and mentally in 33-degree heat.
But he hung in there and could only raise his hands above his head in celebration after winning 4-6, 5-7, 6-1, 6-2, 6-2 in four hours and six minutes.
A heat wave warning has been issued for New York, with both Rublev and Lindelof Knev trying to cool down with ice packs and fans.
Rublev called in a doctor before the start of the match and said he had “drank too much, eaten too much,” adding that he felt like he had “a baby” in his stomach.
The 26-year-old remained on court to sign autographs despite being visibly tired.
He will next face 32nd seed Jiri Reheka, who also rallied from two sets down to beat qualifier Mitchell Kruger.
Fourth seed Alexander Zverev was one of the early winners on Day 3 in New York, while Novak Djokovic flourished in the later evening session on Wednesday.
Zverev continued his quest for his first Grand Slam title by defeating Alexander Muller 6-4, 7-6 (7-5), 6-1.
The 27-year-old reached the final in New York in 2020 and also reached the French Open final earlier this year.
But he lost the US Open final in two sets to Dominic Thiem and in Paris he was leading Carlos Alcaraz by two sets to one before succumbing to the Spaniard.
Zverev said he doubts he will be able to return to top level in 2022 after suffering a serious ankle injury at the 2022 French Open.
The fourth seed has won 54 singles matches this year, more than any other male player on the tour.
“I was really nervous about whether I could be in the top 10 or top five in the world. [again]” Zverev said.
“What’s changed is that I’m enjoying every moment on this beautiful court in front of thousands of fans.
“That was something that was taken away from me two-and-a-half years ago so I’m very happy to be playing at this level.
“Hopefully I can give myself the best chance to win here.”
Zverev will next face Argentina’s Tomas Martin Echeverry.
American Francis Tiafoe and ninth-seeded Grigor Dimitrov were also among the winners on Day 3 in New York.
Local favorite Tiafoe led 6-4, 6-1, 1-0 over Alexander Shevchenko of Kazakhstan before Shevchenko retired with injury, while Dimitrov outplayed Linky Hijikata of Australia 6-1, 6-1, 7-6 (7-4).
Defending champion Novak Djokovic will feature in the Arthur Ashe night session, along with Andrey Rublev and Taylor Fritz.