Zverev, Sabalenka battle through in Madrid Open, Rublev defence over

MNP – World number two Alexander Zverev was taken to the limit by Alejandro Davidovich Fokina in a gripping Madrid Open third round battle on Sunday, progressing 2-6, 7-6 (7/3), 7-6 (7/0).

The Spaniard, roared on by the partisan home crowd, broke in the first and third games to claim the first set with ease.

Zverev fought to get back on serve after falling a break behind at the start of the third, and saved two break points in the ninth game before a tie-break.

The German won it and was stronger in the third set, breaking for a 5-4 lead.

However serving for the match, Zverev was broken to love by the in-form Davidovich Fokina, ranked 29th, but it was his last hurrah as the top seed dominated the second tie-break.

“The first set wasn’t my best tennis, but in sport it can change very quickly, I was down a set and a break but I kept fighting and I’m very happy for the win,” Zverev told TVE.

“It was a very tough win… Alex was playing unbelievable tennis, the best tennis of his life.”

The two-time Madrid champion will face Francisco Cerundolo or Francisco Comesana in the last 16, depending who emerges triumphant from the all-Argentine battle.

Zverev was warned by the umpire after he took a photograph during the match of a ball mark, debating an electronic line-call which said one of the Spaniard’s shots was in.

“I honestly think there was a defect in the system,” he told reporters after.

“I’m a fan of the electronic line calling, but the ball was not like a little bit, one millimetre in, one millimetre out, it was like four, five centimetres (out).”