French Open 2021: Alexander Zverev continues his good run, marches into the Round of 16
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Alexander Zverev
World No.6, Alexander Zverev eases past Laslo Djere of Serbia in straight sets 6-2,7-5,6-2 on Court Philippe Chatrier to reach yet another Round of 16 at Roland Garros. The German was tested in parts by Djere but overall he didn’t break much sweat in his third round outing.
Zverev came with high intensity into the match. He meant business right away and broke Djere’s serve in a 6 minutes long first game. He was hitting forehand winners cleanly and exploited the Serb’s serve. As a result, he broke him again and stormed off to a 4-0 lead. Djere couldn’t break the German in the first set and as a result he lost the first set 2-6.
The Serb got off to an amazing start in the second set, breaking Zverev in his first service game and cruised to a 3-0 lead. And after an exchange of breaks, Djere found himself serving for the set at 5-3. But the No.6 seed stepped up at the right moment and won the next 4 games consecutively, breaking Djere twice to win the second set 7-5.
The third set was no different than the first and had Zverev’s name written all over it. He broke upfront and held serve in an eleven minutes long second game. After a couple of easy holds, Zverev broke serve again and stormed off to a 5-1 decisive lead. Djere tried everything he had in his Arsenal in the later stages but it was the German who won the third set comfortably 6-2.
‘My main goal is to win grand slams and reach the top of the Ranking’: Alexander Zverev
In the post match interview by former Wimbledon Champion Marion Bartoli, Sascha was asked to state his mindset the the intensity at which Djere pushed him.
He said: “I was down 5-3, 40-0 on his serve and you don’t always come back with that score so it’s obvious he played fantastic match and is naturally good on the surface. So I knew I had to play much much better and I did that. I know the further we go into tournament it’s going to be difficult.”
Zverev was reminded that he is getting better as the tournament gets tighter and was asked how will he approach to take those 4 extra wins going ahead.
“I am getting older and maturing. The main goal of my tennis career is to win grand slams and reach the top of the rankings. I feel for the last year and a half, I am on a very good path and I hope I can continue. I am happy about today and hopefully I can play well on Sunday,” he concluded.
Zverev will next face Kei Nishikori of Japan in the Round of 16 on Sunday.
Also read: French Open 2021: Highest remaining seed Aryna Sabalenka bows out in the third round
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Lakshya Chopra
(2595 Articles Published)