Playing tennis is a popular sport enjoyed by many. Sports - Zverev advances to the round of 16 with a five-set victory.
Alexander Zverev triumphs in an intense five-set battle, narrowly avoiding elimination at the French Open. Winning against Dutchman Tallon Griekspoor, the tennis champion now proceeds in his quest for the Grand Slam title in Paris. It wasn't easy though; Zverev experienced his first two set losses in the tournament. However, he held on to advance with a score of 3:6, 6:4, 6:2, 4:6, 7:6 (10:3).
Reflecting on the match, Zverev noted, "Wow, what an incredible match!" He lauded his colleague Griekspoor, acknowledging his prowess and threat. Too close for comfort, Griekspoor could have been an early challenge in Zverev's pursuit of the sought-after title.
Advancing, Zverev prepares to take on the winner of the Holger Rune and József Kovalik match for a spot in the semifinals.
In a different development, Jan-Lennard Struff bit the dust in the third round. Despite a delayed start due to persistent rain, the 34-year-old ended up losing 6:4, 4:6, 3:6, 3:6 to Australian Alex de Minaur, who is ranked 11th.
Becker critical of Zverev's start
Tennis luminary Boris Becker, commenting for Eurosport, was less than impressed with the Hamburg-native's performance at the start of the match: "That wasn't great, he didn't appeal to me at all." Becker elaborated, "In the first hour, Zverev was lacking physically and mentally. I felt for him; he just wasn't really in the game."
Initially, Zverev's performance lacked energy and consistency, allowing Griekspoor to gain an early advantage. Later in the match, his game picked up with fewer unforced errors and increased aggression, tying the score at 1 set all. The momentum shifted to Zverev constructively, though he experienced a significant dip in the fourth set.
Griekspoor suffered a right thigh injury on-court but soldiered on, eventually seizing a 1:0 lead in the fifth set. His lead expanded to 4:1, yet Zverev rallied impressively. In the match tiebreak, the higher-ranked player ultimately triumphed.
Sabalenka's victory over Badosa
Earlier, the highly-anticipated duel between Aryna Sabalenka and Paula Badosa, dubbed the "Battle of the Besties," proved finely balanced during the two sets. The Belarusian emerged victorious, securing a 7:5, 6:1 victory over her close friend. The duo continue their partnership in the mixed doubles, slated to play later in the day, which was postponed due to persistent rain.
