Alexander Zverev began his Australian Open 2025 campaign with a commanding performance, defeating French wild card Lucas Pouille in straight sets, 6-4, 6-4, 6-4. The German star advanced to the second round after a solid outing that lasted two hours and 20 minutes. Zverev, who had withdrawn from Germany’s United Cup quarter-final against Kazakhstan due to a bicep strain, showed no signs of discomfort throughout the match, demonstrating his fitness and focus.
Zverev’s dominant display against Pouille
Zverev’s victory was built on a clinical display of shot-making and precision. The 27-year-old struck 37 winners and successfully saved both break points he faced, showcasing his ability to maintain control in key moments. Despite Pouille’s attempts to challenge, Zverev's power and consistency were too much for the Frenchman, allowing him to wrap up the match with ease.
This victory marks the ninth consecutive year that Zverev has advanced to the second round of the Australian Open, highlighting his consistent performances in Melbourne. The German is now eyeing his first Grand Slam title, with aspirations of becoming the first German man to win a major since Boris Becker’s 1996 Australian Open triumph.
Zverev's next opponent will be Spain’s Pedro Martinez. The German is placed in the same half of the draw as tennis legends Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz. However, with both Djokovic and Alcaraz potentially meeting in the quarterfinals, Zverev would only face either of them in the semifinals, should he continue his strong form.
Zverev jokes about his coaching team
Following his win, Zverev shared a light-hearted moment about his coaching team, joking about his father, Alexander Sr., and his brother, Mischa, being his trainers. He humorously revealed that he didn't have much of a say in the decision, joking, “I chose? I didn’t really have a choice, to be honest. What am I going to say, Christmas dinner, ‘No, you’re not coming to Australia?’”
He added with a smile, “Well, their bags are packed already. I wouldn’t get food from my mum, so that would be a problem.”
With his first-round win in the books, Zverev is well on his way to making a serious push for the 2025 Australian Open title. His dominant performance against Pouille has set the tone for what could be a memorable run in Melbourne.