French lucky loser Corentin Moutet advanced to the last 16 of the US Open by edging out Argentinian Pedro Cachin 6-3, 4-6, 6-2, 7-5 at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York City on Friday.
Moutet, ranked No 112, will face Casper Ruud, the No 5 seed, next. He never had qualified for the Round of 16 earlier in his career. His best result so far was a third round, at the 2020 US Open.
Ahead of his victory, the Frenchman benefited from the abandonment of Swiss Stan Wawrinka (6-4, 7-6 (7) ret.) and edged out Dutchman Botic van de Zandschulp, the No 21 seed (6-4, 1-6, 6-2, 6-4).
Moutet will be back in the Top 100 at the ATP ranking in ten days, around the 80th rank.
Cachin, ranked No 66, defeated Slovenian Aljaz Bedene (6-4, 6-3, 5-7, 1-6, 7-6 (6)) and overhauled American qualifier Brandon Holt (1-6, 2-6, 6-1, 7-6 (1), 7-6 (6)) earlier in the tournament.
New York City (Grand Slam), other third-round results
- Karen Khachanov (27) beat Jack Draper: 6-3, 4-6, 6-5 ret.
- Matteo Berrettini (13) beat Andy Murray: 6-4, 6-4, 6-7 (1), 6-3
- Alejandro Davidovich Fokina beat Daniel Elahi Galan (Q): 6-4, 5-7, 6-4, 6-4