Nadal in the last 16 without dropping a set
The Spanish Grand Slam record winner Rafael Nadal made his clay court debut without losing a set in the top 16. The five-time Madrid winner prevailed against the Serbian Miomir Kecmanovic after 1:55 hours 6: 1, 7: 6 (7: 4). Nadal, who lost the thread a bit after a rain break at the beginning of the second set, had recently paused due to a stress fracture of the rib. His big goal is the 14th triumph at the French Open in Paris (from May 22).
Zverev talks about pressure
“I’m happy about this win”said Zverev at “sky“And when asked, pointed out that the tension in Madrid was different than at the home tournament: “Munich is home, you play in Germany. Everyone is happy to see Rafa (Nadal) and Alcaraz here. In Munich, the tournament is structured in such a way that I should go far. You can’t compare it like that.”
Ace to match
At the tournament in Munich, Zverev failed directly in the round of 16 and also had to play against the former in Madrid US Open Champion Cilic (33) survive tricky situations. In the first set, the third in the world rankings was already with one Break up front, but lost four games in a row towards the end of the period. In the other two sets, Zverev didn’t let his lead be taken away, served confidently towards the end and converted the first match point with an ace after 2:17 hours.
Waiting for the next bigger success
After six titles including the Olympic victory last year, the native of Hamburg is still waiting for his first triumph this season and has only reached one final so far. Now the turning point in Madrid should begin in two and a half weeks French Open take place.
Source: dpa/red