LIVE! Djokovic continues effortlessly – Zverev has to play against Griekspoor

Alexander Zverev is in the round of 16 at the ATP Masters in Shanghai
AFP via Getty Images

It was an emotional ride for Alexander Zverev in the third round of the ATP Masters in Shanghai. After a rollercoaster ride, the Hamburg player, who was still weakened by his pneumonia, prevailed against the Dutchman Tallon Griekspoor with 7:6 (8:6), 2:6 and 7:6 (7:5).

In the meantime, Zverev’s emotions are also running high. Towards the end of the first set, he argued with the chair umpire and threw away his racket. The audience booed, but there was no point penalty. “I haven’t had any luck with referee decisions all year,” said Zverev after the match, but admitted: “Everyone makes mistakes, it’s human.”

Nevertheless, things went downhill for Zverev in the second set, and he left it to the 28-year-old Dutchman almost without a fight. But then Zverev caught himself again, the third set was even – and ended excitingly. Initially, Zverev missed a few chances to win in the tie-break, but the 27-year-old kept his nerve and ultimately prevailed with his eighth match point.

“It was an incredible match, he is an incredible player,” said Zverev appreciatively. When asked about his physical condition, he remarked: “I’m happy that I was able to hold my own and be able to play three sets. Let’s see what it looks like tomorrow.”

The Belgian David Goffin is now waiting for Zverev in the round of 16. Novak Djokovic is also in the round of 16. The Serb won confidently against the Italian Falvio Cobolli in two sets with 6:1 and 6:2.