Challenging circumstances, lacking affection: Zverev triumphs and yearns
In contrast to the initial round, Alexander Zverev manages to avoid dropping a set during the second round of the US Open. Although the scorching heat in New York tested his mettle, the German number one persisted and commended his French opponent, Alexandre Muller.
After waving to the spectators, tossing autographed balls into the stands, and sauntering into the refreshing subterranean corridors, Zverev, with his sights set on his elusive first Grand Slam trophy, completed his second assignment in New York. However, he will need to significantly step up his game to contend for the US Open title.
Against Muller, Zverev struck a consistent rhythm in the Louis Armstrong Stadium, although his performance for much of the match was not quite up to his usual standards. "He played exceptional tennis today, he was the superior player in the later stages of the second set. I found a strategy and I'm pleased to have emerged victorious in three sets, securing some respite. The conditions are abrasive, it's sweltering out here today. So I'm content to have advanced," Zverev shared after his 6:4, 7:6 (7:5), 6:1 triumph, advancing to the third round in New York for the sixth time in his ninth appearance. Up next is the Argentine Tomas Martin Etcheverry.
As the fourth-ranked player globally, Zverev won't encounter top-tier competitors until later in the tournament. In this encounter with the 77th-ranked player worldwide, Zverev needed time to locate his stride on Wednesday. Zverev holds a disdain for morning and afternoon matches, but a series of unforced errors from Muller provided a boost that allowed him to secure the initial set in the second-biggest venue at the Flushing Meadows complex.
With former football world champion Sami Khedira watching from his exclusive booth, Zverev did not reach his full potential in the second set, but held his composure in the tiebreak. From there, the German native was unyielding and closed out the win on his second match point.
In his 35th attempt, Zverev is pursuing his greatly anticipated first Grand Slam championship. In 2020, he was mere strokes away from triumph in New York before suffering one of the most disheartening setbacks in his career against Dominic Thiem. At the Cincinnati warm-up, Zverev showcased improving form with a semifinal run following a series of health and athletic setbacks. His victory against Muller was his 54th of the year - no other competitor on the tour has more.
After his victory, Zverev expressed his gratitude to the crowd and shared some autographed balls, clearly enjoying the sporting atmosphere. To advance further in the US Open, he acknowledges the need to improve his game.
Moving forward in the tournament, Zverev will face the 77th-ranked Tomas Martin Etcheverry, a challenge he hopes to tackle with his consistent performance and growing confidence in his skills, fueled by his love for sports.
