Alexander wins battle of Zverev brothers

Germany's Alexander Zverev

Defending champion Alexander Zverev took bragging rights in his sibling rivalry, beating older brother Mischa 6-3, 7-5 on Thursday to reach the Washington Open quarter-finals.

It was the first ATP meeting for the German siblings, Alex, 21, besting Mischa, 30, as he rarely did in boyhood battles.

'Great time'
"We had a great time," Alex said. "I was happy and enjoying the moment. We played near our best. It was unbelievable. I just hope it happens again and I hope it happens at later stages of bigger tournaments. I hope we meet again someday in a final."

Mischa was nearly in tears at the start at a family dream come true. "When we came back to the benches I had to fight back my tears," he said. "It was a big day, big match. It was very emotional for me. It was just a great day."

Alex will next face Japanese seventh seed Kei Nishikori, who dispatched Canadian ninth seed Denis Shapovalov 7-6 (7/1), 6-3.

Venus advances
Meanwhile, Venus Williams held off Britain's Heather Watson 6-4, 4-6, 6-0 to reach the quarter-finals of the hardcourt tournament in California. Williams is the highest seed left in a tournament that saw second-seed Madison Keys follow Garbine Muguruza in pulling out because of injury.

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