Happy to be in the second week of Grand Slam – Alexander Zverev after beating Frances Tiafoe

Germany’s Alexander Zverev was delighted after beating Frances Tiafoe by 3-6, 7-6(3), 6-1, 7-6(5) on Saturday to advance to the fourth round of the ongoing Roland Garros. The German lost the first set but bounced back stronger to wrap up the match in three hours, 41 minutes.

With this win, Zverev improved his ATP Pepperstone H2H record against Tiafoe to 7-1 and thus continued his domination against the American.

Zverev brought his best to the court and expressed his happiness in reaching the second week of the Grand Slam.

“I’m happy to be through. I’m happy to be in the fourth round and be in the second week of a Grand Slam,” Zverev said in his post-match presser. “It’s, for sure, a great thing for me right now.”

On the other hand, Zverev had suffered a horrific ankle injury in the 2022 Roland Garros semifinal against eventual champion Rafael Nadal. He had twisted his ankle and had to undergo surgery before again returning to the tour. The 26-year-old from Hamburg added it was emotional for him to return to Paris for the second slam of the year.

“I know what happened last year,” the 26-year-old said of the injury. “It was emotional for me to step on that court for the first time when I played [Alex] Molcan, I’m not going to lie. But now I’m here to play some of the best players in the world, and today was definitely the case in that.”

Zverev converted five out of his 14 break points and he was able to win the crucial points of the game against Tiafoe. The German also smashed 14 aces and played at the top of his game.

Zverev will take on Grigor Dimitrov, who bested Germany’s Daniel Altamaier in straight sets, on Monday at the Philippe-Chartier.