German tennis star Alexander Zverev has advanced to the round of 16 at the ATP Masters in Madrid, despite experiencing physical difficulties during his match.
The world number three initially had few problems against Frenchman Térence Atmane in the third round. After a slightly more challenging second set, the Hamburg native ultimately defeated the left-hander 6:3, 7:6 (7:2) in their first-ever encounter.
«I had some physical issues in the second set. I won’t say what it is,» Zverev stated after the match. «Up to 6:3, 5:2, I played a very good match. We’ll see what it is. I hope I can play tomorrow.»
In the round of the top 16, Zverev, who is preparing for the clay-court Grand Slam, the French Open (May 24 — June 7), will face a seeded player for the first time in the tournament. He has not previously played against the 20-year-old Jakub Mensik of the Czech Republic (No. 23).
This marks Zverev’s ninth appearance in the round of 16 in Madrid. He has previously triumphed at the Caja Mágica in 2018 and 2021.
Zverev Clashes with Chair Umpire
Against Atmane, Zverev initially appeared significantly more dominant than in his opening match against Argentina’s Mariano Navone, whom he only managed to defeat after three sets. On Monday, Zverev was not seriously threatened for a long time, making few errors and playing with strong pressure. It was only in the middle of the second set that he had a brief disagreement with the chair umpire. Afterward, seemingly hampered, he lost his serve despite a 5:2 lead and a missed first match point, forcing him into a tiebreak against Atmane. After 1 hour and 37 minutes, Zverev converted his third match point.
Prior to Zverev, only world number one Jannik Sinner had reached the round of 16 in all four Masters tournaments held this year. The Italian also won titles in Indian Wells, Miami, and Monte Carlo, defeating Zverev in the semifinals in each of those tournaments. A potential meeting between Zverev and Sinner in Madrid is only possible in the final.
English Translation:
German tennis star Alexander Zverev has advanced to the round of 16 at the ATP Masters in Madrid, despite experiencing physical difficulties during his match.
The world number three initially had few problems against Frenchman Térence Atmane in the third round. After a slightly more challenging second set, the Hamburg native ultimately defeated the left-hander 6:3, 7:6 (7:2) in their first-ever encounter.
«I had some physical issues in the second set. I won’t say what it is,» Zverev stated after the match. «Up to 6:3, 5:2, I played a very good match. We’ll see what it is. I hope I can play tomorrow.»
In the round of the top 16, Zverev, who is preparing for the clay-court Grand Slam, the French Open (May 24 — June 7), will face a seeded player for the first time in the tournament. He has not previously played against the 20-year-old Jakub Mensik of the Czech Republic (No. 23).
This marks Zverev’s ninth appearance in the round of 16 in Madrid. He has previously triumphed at the Caja Mágica in 2018 and 2021.
Zverev Clashes with Chair Umpire
Against Atmane, Zverev initially appeared significantly more dominant than in his opening match against Argentina’s Mariano Navone, whom he only managed to defeat after three sets. On Monday, Zverev was not seriously threatened for a long time, making few errors and playing with strong pressure. It was only in the middle of the second set that he had a brief disagreement with the chair umpire. Afterward, seemingly hampered, he lost his serve despite a 5:2 lead and a missed first match point, forcing him into a tiebreak against Atmane. After 1 hour and 37 minutes, Zverev converted his third match point.
Prior to Zverev, only world number one Jannik Sinner had reached the round of 16 in all four Masters tournaments held this year. The Italian also won titles in Indian Wells, Miami, and Monte Carlo, defeating Zverev in the semifinals in each of those tournaments. A potential meeting between Zverev and Sinner in Madrid is only possible in the final.