Munich, April 16 (IANS) Alexander Zverev delivered a strong performance to defeat Gabriel Diallo 6-1, 6-2 and move on to the quarter-finals in Munich. He now faces a crucial match against Francisco Cerundolo.
The World No. 3 completely controlled the match against Diallo, quickly winning the first set and maintaining his advantage in the second. The Canadian needed treatment for a back issue late in the first set. As the match progressed, his struggles became more apparent. Zverev took advantage, breaking Diallo in the sixth game of the second set after the Canadian sent a routine forehand long.
After the match, Zverev recognized Diallo’s physical problems but felt pleased with his own performance. “I think he had some issues with the back and was not serving fully in the second set,” he said during his on-court interview. “But I am happy with the win and happy to get an easier match today.”
This victory marks Zverev’s 113th tour-level quarter-final, putting him among the most reliable players on the circuit. A three-time champion in Munich, he is aiming for his first title since winning this event last year.
However, the upcoming match against Cerundolo poses a serious challenge. The Argentine has a 3-0 record against Zverev on clay, including victories in Madrid and Buenos Aires. Still, Zverev leads their overall head-to-head 4-3. Cerundolo reached the quarter-finals with a dominant 6-3, 6-0 win over Botic van de Zandschulp and has shown strong form on clay this season.
Off the court, Zverev had a memorable night supporting his favorite football club, Bayern Munich, as they won their European quarter-final against Real Madrid. Several Bayern players reciprocated by attending his match in Munich.
“It is great for the stars to come out,” Zverev said. “Amazing for them to get the win at home and I was there watching. It was very, very special. I took the kids down to the locker room after, and they were very nice to the kids, signing autographs.”
In other news, Alex Molcan reached his first ATP 500 quarter-final since 2022 with a tough 6-4, 7-6(10) win over Daniel Altmaier, saving three set points in a tense second set. He will next play Denis Shapovalov, who advanced with a 7-6(4), 6-2 victory against Fabian Marozsan.
–IANS
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