In a tension-filled Australian Open 2024 showdown, Alexander Zverev narrowly escaped a second-round exit, staging a comeback in a five-set thriller against qualifier Lukas Klein.
The match between Zverev and Klein endured for four and a half hours in a challenging contest. However, Zverev displayed resilience, mounting a comeback to secure a 7-5, 3-6, 4-6, 7-6(5), 7-6(10-7) victory. This triumph marked the German's 400th tour-level win and extended his unbeaten record against qualifiers to 17.
Sascha secured his spot in the third round with a hard-fought 7-5, 3-6, 4-6, 7-6(5), 7-6(10-7) victory over qualifier Lukas Klein.
In his post-match statement, Zverev praised his Slovakian adversary, acknowledging that the opponent deserved to win the match.
"He played incredible. I didn't really know what to do a lot of the times. To be honest, he probably deserved to win the match more than me today. But that's how tennis goes sometimes. Obviously I'm happy that I'm through, but his ranking is not valid to how he's playing right now," said Zverev.
After playing a key role in Germany's United Cup triumph in January, Zverev is slated to compete against Alex Michelsen, a talented American tennis player, in the third round. Zverev's most notable performance at the Australian Open was reaching the semi-finals in 2020, representing one of his six appearances in Grand Slam events where he reached that stage or advanced further.
RUUD ADVANCES TO ROUND 3
Casper Ruud secured victory in a challenging five-set match against local favourite Max Purcell, triumphing 6-3, 6-7(5), 6-3, 3-6, 7-6(10-7).
This match levelled the head-to-head between the two at 1-1, offsetting Ruud's previous three-set loss to Purcell in Cincinnati last season. Notably, this win enhanced Ruud's impressive 7-1 record against opponents playing on their home turf in Grand Slam events, with his sole defeat coming against Liam Broady at Wimbledon last year.
In his fifth appearance at the Australian Open, Ruud had his best showing in 2021, reaching the fourth round of the competition.
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