A very weak second set against Scottish qualifier Jacob Fearnley puts the favorite in trouble.
Despite a worrying dip in form, Alexander Zverev cleared his opening hurdle at the ATP tournament in Vienna. Germany’s best professional tennis player defeated Scottish qualifier Jacob Fearnley 6-4, 1-6, 7-6 (7-5) – in the second set, he was in danger of losing control of the match against the world number 81.
Zverev will now face Italian Matteo Arnaldi, who also had to qualify, in the round of 16.
Zverev, who is going through a difficult period in his career, wants to “play good tennis again” at the indoor tournament in Vienna, as he recently told Bild am Sonntag.
Zverev suddenly almost without a chance
The world number three’s first set went as expected, but the tables turned completely in the second set.
Zverev was pushed onto the defensive and was barely able to apply any pressure. On the contrary, Fearnley dictated the rallies at will during this phase. After 20 minutes of the second set, the score was 0-5, and after 28 minutes, the Scot converted the set point.
In the decisive set, both players were solid on serve, with Zverev missing the chance for the decisive break at 5-4, but then clinching the match in a tiebreak after 2 hours and 19 minutes.
Zverev set for comeback in the Davis Cup
The second German in the tournament is Daniel Altmaier, who will face world number one Jannik Sinner (Italy) in his opening match.
Zverev was ranked number two in the world at the beginning of the year and had his sights set on the top spot, but now his main focus is on securing third place and getting his body back in shape for the new season. He has been plagued by back pain for some time.
Nevertheless, he wants to make his comeback in the German Davis Cup team, which will face Argentina in the quarterfinals in Bologna (November 18 to 23). After the tournament in Vienna, the Masters in Paris is also on the agenda, where he will compete as the defending champion. Zverev is also expected to take part in the ATP season finale in Turin (November 9-16).