with videoTallon Grepes provided a sensational stunt at the ABN AMRO Open. The number 61 in the world was too strong for Alexander Zverev (ATP-17) on the center court in Rotterdam in three sets: 4-6, 6-3, 6-4.
The Greek track had entered the ATP tournament via a wild card. He already enjoyed yesterday in his first round match against Mikael Ymer, whom he won in two close sets. Also today, the Dutchman made visible use of the crowd by pumping them up after a good point, bringing him step by step closer to the comeback.
Things didn’t go according to plan in the first set. After matching Zverev’s pace for six sets, the Greek track was broken by his German opponent. The eighth-seeded tennis player did not let go of that minimal lead and thus crossed the line in the first set: 6-4.
Greek track then found a lot of sharpness and cashed in his first break chance of the match in the second set with a hard forehand along the line. He held on to that break, while Zverev often called in his caregiver to have his back treated. After the Greek track had won the second set 6-3, the difference in mentality was clear. Greek track walked towards his bench with a clenched fist and an eager look. Zverev, his shoulder drooping, went looking for his caretaker.
It resulted in a blistering final set, in which the first six games went with the service despite some break chances for Zverev. In the seventh game, Greek track struck and broke his opponent without losing a point. It turned out to be the deciding factor in the match. Zverev could no longer make a fist against the Dutchman, who then took the last set with almost flawless play in his service: 6-4.
View the match point here
,,This is one of my better victories’, saidGreekspoor shortly after the match Ziggo Sports. ,,I played good tennis, served well and felt good. It also went well in the first set, except for the one game that I lost.” The Greek track said it was not distracted by Zverev’s injury. “I don’t know what happened, but I stuck with it. Even though I lost the first set, I knew my chances were coming.”
Where does he think this tournament will end? ,,No idea. I’m confident in my game and it seems like I’m getting better every day.”
ABN AMRO Open 2023
View all results and the schedule at the bottom of this article or here.
On Friday, the Greek track will compete in the last eight in Ahoy against the winner of the duel between the Dane Holger Rune and Gijs Brouwer. The two will meet on Thursday evening.
Rublev not past De Minaur
Former winner Andrey Roeblev has already been eliminated in the opening round of the ABN AMRO Open. The Russian had to recognize his superior in the Australian Alex de Minaur with 6-4 6-4.
25-year-old Rublev was placed second in Rotterdam. The number 5 in the world won the tournament in 2021. In the final battle he was too strong for the Hungarian qualifier Márton Fucsovics two years ago. De Minaur used his first game point after an hour and 21 minutes due to a mistake by Rublev. The winner did not grant his opponent any break points and placed one break in both sets, twice at 1-1.
,,I am very satisfied with my level and hope to keep it that way. Rotterdam is a great city and I found some nice coffee shops near the hotel”, said De Minaur afterwards, probably referring to coffee shops. The audience in Ahoy could see the humor in the statement.
In the second round, the number 25 in the world will compete against American Maxime Cressy, who eliminated Tim van Rijthoven earlier in the day.
View the report of the 50th edition of ABN Amro open here:
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