Dan Evans joins Andy Murray and Kyle Edmund in US Open third round

Dan Evans ensured Great Britain will have three men in the US Open third round for the first time since 1968 after claiming the biggest win of his career over German Alexander Zverev at Flushing Meadows. The British number two continued his remarkable 2016 season with a 6-4 6-4 5-7 6-2 victory to cruise into the last 32 in New York.

The win represents the Birmingham-born player's third over a top-30 opponent and means he will equal his best ever grand slam showing, having previously reached the third round at Wimbledon and the US Open in 2013. He joins Andy Murray and Kyle Edmund in progressing, and faces the daunting prospect of facing two-time major winner Stanislas Wawrinka for a fourth round place.

Murray had earlier beaten Marcel Granollers in straight sets under the roof on Arthur Ashe, the day after Edmund saw off Ernesto Escobedo to take Britain into uncharted territory at the final grand slam of the year.

Evans said: "It was probably the best one [win], the situation and the circumstances. [It was] late, difficult mentally. To come back in the fourth [set] and get on top was good. In the third [set], I was a bit passive. He sort of took control.

"It was pretty evident that's what he was going to do for the rest of the match. I needed to stay on top of him. I needed to get a good start in the fourth, just try to get on top again. I sort of felt it was slipping away a bit. It was pretty important to get on top again."

The 26-year-old has previously been accused of lacking focus off the court but new levels of application look set to propel him into the top 50 in the ATP rankings. Zverev – himself regarded as one of the rising stars of the men's game – became frustrated by Evans' overzealous celebrations particularly following unforced errors but the Briton has defended his actions.

"It was nothing personal against him or anything," the Davis Cup winnner added. "Just fired up, as was he, I think. Nothing bad. I don't have any sort of anything against him. I wouldn't think he's got anything against me."