Alexander Zverev returns a shot during a Men's Singles quarterfinal match at the 2021 US Open, Wednesday, Sep. 8, 2021 in Flushing, NY. (Darren Carroll/USTA)
Alexander Zverev had to beat off a second set disaster to eventually see off American Jenson Brooksby 6-4, 3-6, 6-1 in the second round of Indian Wells on Sunday.
In the end it came down to Zverev’s serve – at least 20mph faster than his opponent – as the German eventually outfought the young American to set up a match against Andy Murray.
“He’s a tricky player,” Zverev said. “He’s young, motivated…He wasn’t giving me anything.
“I actually didn’t think I served that well today.”
Zverev won 73 per cent of first-serve points, including 12 aces, and ended the match with 28 winners to Brooksby’s 17.
“In the second set I didn’t see the ball well on [one] side of the court because of the sun,” Zverev said, discussing his error-prone set.
“It wasn’t an easy match, but I’m happy to be through, I’m happy to be in the third round and playing Andy now.”
Aryna Sabalenka began her quest for a third straight title at the US Open as…
Carlos Alcaraz ended a four-and-a-half month injury exile with a resounding 6-4, 6-4, 6-4 defeat…
Williams has lost her last 15 matches as a wild card, with her last victory dating…
Novak Djokovic hit the wall as the 24-time Grand Slam winner vomited at the back…
Third seed Jessica Pegula got up and running on Sunday's opening day at the US…
Former finalist Casper Ruud made a last-minute pull out on Sunday as the US Open began,…