Alexander Zverev is in the quarterfinals in Rome. The tennis Olympic champion beats Alex de Minaur from Australia in two sets, but has to tremble more than he would like. He recognizes a few things he needs to “work” on until the French Open starts in just over a week.
Tennis Olympic champion Alexander Zverev reached the quarterfinals at his French Open dress rehearsal in Rome. The 25-year-old from Hamburg also trembled against the Australian Alex de Minaur after the difficult opening win over the Argentinian Sebastian Baez, but remains in the race for his second title at the Sandplatzmasters in the Foro Italico after the 6: 3, 7: 6 (7: 5). after 2017.
“Apparently I took several breaks today,” said Zverev on Sky: “Actually everything was going well, then maybe I was a bit too relaxed and suddenly it’s 6: 6. I have to work on that.”
In the round of eight, Zverev will meet Croatian Marin Cilic or Cristian Garin from Chile on Friday. After entering the final in Madrid, the German number one in Rome is about gaining more self-confidence for the Grand Slam tournament in Paris (from May 22nd). The fact remains that the Olympic champion has to improve significantly if he even wants to come close to the longed-for first Grand Slam title at the upcoming French Open.
After five successes and one defeat on hard courts, Zverev also won the first duel with de Minaur (23) on clay, although little came together, especially in the second set. The third in the world rankings, who is still waiting for his first tournament victory this year, converted his first match point with a stop after 1:49 hours.
Zverev had previously made life difficult for himself. After a successful start with two breaks and a quick lead in the second set, he lost concentration and threw his racket in frustration. The audience acknowledged Zverev’s displeasure with whistles. Even a 6:5 lead on his own serve, he initially did not finish and had to go into the tie-break, in which he also benefited from de Minaur’s mistakes.
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