Alexander Zverev has already failed in the round of 16 at the ATP tournament in Acapulco, Mexico.
The 28-year-old lost his second round match against the Serbian Miomir Kecmanovic after 2:35 hours with 3:6, 7:6 (7:3) and 6:7 (4:7). A good three weeks after his semi-final exit at the Australian Open, Zverev suffered a setback. The Hamburg native was in first place at the hard court tournament.
Unlike his opening win against Corentin Moutet, Zverev made significantly more mistakes and was not as dominant on his own serve. The world number four had to give up his serve twice in the first set. Although he subsequently stabilized, he hardly had any break chances against his opponent. Symptomatic of Zverev’s game: The 28-year-old ended the game with a backhand that got stuck in the net – his 17th unforced error with the backhand that evening.
Special premiere for Kecmanovic
For Kecmanovic it was the first win against a top 5 player in his career. “I think I was more aggressive in the crucial moments. I served much better than usual, so I’m happy that it went so well today,” said the world number 84. after his success.
In the quarterfinals, Kecmanovic will face Frenchman Terence Atmane. The tournament in Acapulco is considered an important test of form before the two upcoming Masters events in Indian Wells and Miami in March. It is taking place despite the recent wave of violence in large parts of Mexico. The organizer had previously announced that they were in “constant coordination and communication” with the federal, state and local authorities.
With Zverev’s defeat, the ATP 500 tournament in Acapulco, which is held on hard courts and is worth $2.4 million, has already lost its three top seeds. On Monday, the Australian Alex de Minaur (No. 2) was eliminated in the first round, and on Tuesday the Norwegian Casper Ruud (No. 3) was left behind.
