Alexander Zverev is through to the second round of the US Open after a solid, if not spectacular, late-night victory over Alejandro Tabilo of Chile. The German star secured his spot with a 6-2, 7-6 (7-4), 6-4 win in a match that didn’t begin until late Tuesday evening.
The match, held under the closed roof of Arthur Ashe Stadium, started at 10:40 PM local time due to a lengthy preceding match featuring Coco Gauff. Despite the late hour, Zverev acknowledged the dedicated fans who remained. “You see the love for tennis the spectators in New York have,” he said. “It’s Tuesday night, not a weekend, and people are still here. To be honest, I would have gone home.”
A Solid, But Unpolished, Performance
Zverev, the world number three, started strong, breaking Tabilo’s serve early in the first set and closing it out comfortably at 6-2. Playing against a left-hander posed no issue for the 2021 Olympic champion, who has spent a lifetime practicing with his older brother, Mischa, also a lefty.
The second set proved more challenging. Tabilo, ranked 122nd but formerly in the top 20, held his serve confidently, giving Zverev few opportunities. The German even had to fight off a set point at 5-6 before clinching the set in a tiebreak. He secured the decisive break in the third set to win the match after two hours and eight minutes, converting his first match point just before 1:00 AM.
“Honestly, it wasn’t the most beautiful match of my life today,” Zverev admitted post-match. “But I got through in three sets, and that’s what’s important. I didn’t have to get off the court at 3 AM; I was done by 1 AM. But there’s still a lot of room for improvement.”
Off-Court Support and Future Plans
For the first time at a Grand Slam, Zverev’s player’s box was packed for a first-round match, with friends joining his team and girlfriend, Sophia Thomalla. His post-match analysis will include not only his father and coach, Alexander Zverev Sr., but also input from Mallorca.
Zverev revealed he is in frequent contact with Toni Nadal, Rafael Nadal’s uncle and former coach, with whom he prepared for the US Open. “This year he is still booked up, but we will see where things go next year,” Zverev said, hinting at a potential future coaching collaboration.
Positive Outlook and German Success
This victory marks a positive return to the Grand Slam stage for Zverev, who has spoken openly about his mental health struggles after a disappointing early exit at Wimbledon. He reported feeling better in New York, with a clear goal of taking the final step and winning a Grand Slam title.
Zverev’s next opponent will be Britain’s Jacob Fearnley on Thursday. He joins a successful contingent of German players in the second round, including Eva Lys, Laura Siegemund, and Daniel Altmaier, making it five out of six German singles players who advanced past the opening round.