Tennis Masters – Tennis professional Zverev wins with lung problems in Shanghai – Sport

Shanghai (dpa) – Tennis professional Alexander Zverev has returned with a victory on the ATP tour after his short break from tournaments. In Shanghai, the 27-year-old won confidently against Italian Mattia Bellucci 6:4, 6:2 despite a persistent cough. In 96 minutes, Zverev made it into the third round in his first match after announcing that he had pneumonia. At the start of the Masters 1000 tournament, he had a bye as number two on the seeding list.

Tournament start despite lung problems

After the Laver Cup in Berlin, the 2021 Olympic champion decided not to start in Beijing for health reasons and revealed that he had pneumonia. “The problem I have with my lungs is not going to go away in a week or two.” “It will probably take a month or two,” he said. However, doctors assured him that his health would not worsen if he exercised.

Upcoming opponent still open

In his game against qualifier Bellucci, Zverev was the clear favorite. He had a hard time in the first set, the world number 101. to take off the serve. After the break to 4:3, the Hamburg player safely secured the first set. The second round developed into a clear affair with two breaks to make it 1-0 and 4-1.

It is still unclear who the favorite will face in the fight for a place in the round of 16. His next opponent is either Australian Jordan Thompson or Tallon Griekspoor from the Netherlands.

© dpa-infocom, dpa:241005-930-252442/1