Zverev sidelines Lajovic on Buenos Aires debut

Alexander Zverev is off to a good start in Buenos Aires. World number 2 and headliner of the Argentinian tournament, the German player was exempt from the first round.

For his South American debut, the Australian Open finalist was pitted against Dusan Lajovic.

Having beaten Roberto Carballes Baena (7-6, 7-5) in the first round, the Serb had an even bigger hurdle to clear to reach the next round.

In control during the first set, Zverev needed only a break at the end of the set to take the lead.
Lajovic got off to a flying start in the second with an opening break.

However, this lead was short-lived, as his opponent broke back immediately afterwards. In the end, Alexander Zverev, who won 80% of the points behind his first serve, won in two sets (6-4, 6-4 in 1h37) and advances to the quarter-finals.

There, he will meet Francisco Cerundolo, who defeated his brother later in the day.

"I'm happy with my victory today. It's probably not the best match I've played, but it's always good to win your first match on clay.

Argentinians are really passionate, so it's incredible to see so many people in the stands for my debut in Buenos Aires.

I'm enjoying myself and hope to play many more matches here," Zverev told the official ATP website.