German duel won, opening hurdle overcome: Tennis star Alexander Zverev made a difficult but successful start to the Tennis Masters in Rome. The Hamburger won against Daniel Altmaier from Kempen 7:5, 6:3.
In the next round, Zverev will now face Tallon Griekspoor (Netherlands) or Alexander Blockx (Belgium). Local hero and feared opponent Jannik Sinner, against whom he recently lost nine games in a row, could only meet Zverev in a possible final.
“He probably showed his best game, at least against me,” said Zverev afterwards appreciatively of the performance of the never-giving-up Altmaier. He is happy to have found the right “solutions”.
Zverev, number two in the absence of Carlos Alcaraz, was not without problems against Altmaier. In the fifth direct duel he still achieved his fourth victory after 1:45 hours with the fourth match point. He only lost to Altmaier in Acapulco in 2024. The next German duel awaits him in the round after next. Yannick Hanfmann could wait in the round of 16, but Germany’s current number two must first eliminate the Italian Luciano Darderi and then survive the third round.
Zverev starts strong after a long break in the rain
However, if Hanfmann were to be eliminated, Zverev would be the only remaining German man in the tournament. Jan-Lennard Struff missed a surprise in the early afternoon. He lost to Miami finalist Jiri Lehecka from the Czech Republic 6:7 (4:7), 3:6.
After a two-hour rain break caused a significant delay in the match, Zverev initially got into the game well. After a temporary 5-2 lead, Zverev initially allowed a break, but then secured the first set with a re-break.
In the second round, Altmaier seemed significantly more agile and active. Zverev also struggled with his own serve. The game was won 4:3. Zverev fended off three break points – and remained stable afterwards.
