Bitter setback for Germany’s tennis star Alexander Zverev! At the ATP tournament in Acapulco, Mexico, the 28-year-old suffered a surprising three-set defeat and was eliminated in the second round. Number one seed Zverev lost to Serbian Miomir Kecmanovic after 2:35 hours 3:6, 7:6 (7:3) and 6:7 (4:7).
Around three weeks after his dramatic semi-final exit at the Australian Open, the defeat was the next sporting setback for the fourth in the world rankings. Zverev started the hard court tournament with a confident opening win against Corentin Moutet. But on Wednesday evening local time he never really found his rhythm.
The Hamburg resident was unusually vulnerable, especially when it came to his own service. He had to accept two breaks in the first set.
He improved as he progressed and fought his way into the tiebreak of the second round, which he won. But overall, the Hamburg native made far too many mistakes. However, against a concentrated opponent, Zverev only had a few break chances.
Zverev opponents now challenged against Atmane
For Kecmanovic, however, it was a very special evening: It was his first ever win against a top 5 player in the ATP world rankings.
“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 coup against the German number one. The Frenchman Terence Atmane is now waiting in the quarter-finals.
The tournament in Acapulco serves as an important acid test for many professionals before the upcoming Masters events in Indian Wells and Miami in March.
The event will go ahead despite the recent wave of violence in parts of Mexico. The organizers emphasized in advance that they were in “constant coordination and communication” with federal, state and local authorities.
