Denis Istomin followed up his sensational five set win against second seed and defending champion Novak Djokovic by defeating thirtieth seed Pablo Carreno Busta in another five-setter 64 46 64 46 62.
In contrast to his match with Djokovic, where he’d gone down two-sets-to-one, he always led in this match before being pegged back by the Spaniard. Each of the first four sets were decided by a margin of just a single break, before Istomin pulled away in the fifth against a tiring opponent.
Istomin started well, using his now famous backhand to engineer a break of serve. The Uzbek was sporting his now trademark sunglasses, which in fact have been a staple of his attire for many years, but was unable to put distance between himself and Carreno Busta, with the seed instead recovering with his own early break in the second to level affairs.
Istomin though continued to press, unsurprisingly exuding confidence after his shock win on Thursday. He was rewarded with the third set as well, with a single break enough for him to once again take the lead in the match.
Carreno Busta again pegged him back, but Istomin, as in the fifth set against Djokovic, found a different level in the fifth, a double break putting distance between him and Carreno Busta.
The win represents a milestone for Istomin,who reaches the fourth round of a grand slam for the first time.
Joining Istomin in the fourth round is Roberto Baustista Agut, who defeated compatriot David Ferrer in four sets 75 67 75 64. Bautista Agut won a close first set, before Ferrer took an early break in the second. Baustista Agut retrieved it late on, but Ferrer responded to take the tiebreak.
Bautista Agut put the disappointment of the second set behind him by taking another close set in the third. Bautista Agut also took an early break in the fourth set, and it was enough to beat the former semi-finalist with Ferrer’s challenge finally ending.
Baustista Agut will face the winner of the match between the third seed from Canada Milos Raonic and twenty-fifth seed Gilles Simon.
