Zverev Edges Past Davidovich Fokina in Madrid Thriller
Alexander Zverev and Alejandro Davidovich Fokina clashed this Sunday in Madrid for a spot in the round of 16.
The Spaniard made life difficult for Zverev, taking the first set 6-2. He even managed an early break in the second set but was immediately broken back.
Despite earning two more break points in the set, Davidovich Fokina lost the second set in a tie-break, 7-3.
The third set was equally competitive, with Davidovich Fokina saving three break points early on. He finally cracked on his serve at 4-4 but managed to break back immediately.
The match was ultimately decided in a one-sided third-set tie-break, which Zverev dominated 7-0.
A warm handshake followed, with Zverev offering encouraging words to the Spaniard: "Great things are coming for you—you're playing the tennis of your life."
In the round of 16, Zverev will face either Francisco Cerundolo or Francisco Comesana, both of whom defeated him during the South American clay-court swing.
With Davidovich Fokina's loss, there will be no Spanish player in the Madrid Open round of 16 for the first time in the tournament's history.
