Zverev: 'Millman defeated Federer, he is capable of scoring big wins'
After winning the first ATP title of the season in Geneva on Saturday, world no. 5 Alexander Zverev arrived in Paris with high hopes of turning a mediocre year into something good, playing in the first Grand Slam quarter-final here a year ago. Instead of a commanding start, the young German barely survived stern John Millman test and prevailed 7-6, 6-3, 2-6, 6-7, 6-3 in four hours and eight minutes for the 26th Grand Slam win, avoiding yet another poor results at Majors. Zverev hit 16 aces but also 14 double faults, facing 13 break points and suffering seven breaks, the same number of chances Millman converted from 17 opportunities! They both had more unforced errors than winners although it was an entertaining battle from the baseline that saw many good points that kept the crowd pleased in the entire match.
Despite a 4-1 lead in the opener, Alexander needed 70 minutes to secure it in the tie break, wasting a set point in the tenth game before prevailing 7-4 in the breaker. The second set offered five breaks in nine games, three for Zverev who opened a healthy lead before losing ground in the third set to bring John back into contention. The fourth set was a rollercoaster ride and the Aussie came from a 4-2 down to steal in the tie break, setting up a deciding set where Zverev won the last three games from 3-3 to wrap up the triumph and bypass another terrible loss in the already poor season so far.
"John played an unbelievable match, also the way he fought back. He is capable of playing great tennis, he beat some big players at Grand Slam before, like Federer at the US Open, so I knew it was going to be a tough match and I'm just happy to be through right now. I played in Geneva last week, much higher altitude, it is a completely different here with a lot of wind, considering the first round and a great opponent in tough conditions I'm happy to go through and that's all that matters at the moment."
from Tennis World USA http://bit.ly/2MfCpwR
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