After his health problems, Alexander Zverev wins his opening match at the Masters in Shanghai.
German tennis star Alexander Zverev (Hamburg) has successfully returned after his health problems. At the Masters in Shanghai, which is worth around $10.3 million, the world number three won his first game on the ATP Tour since the US Open a month ago against Italian Mattia Bellucci 6-4, 6-2, despite obvious ongoing respiratory problems.
After a previous first-round bye, Zverev is now playing in China in the hunt for his 23rd tournament victory, either against the Dutchman Tallon Griekspoor or the Australian Jordan Thompson, for a place in the round of 16.
For Zverev, who had complained of a fever and cough after New York during the Laver Cup in Berlin, the match against his opponent, who is ranked 98 positions lower, got off to a mixed start.
Zverev quarrels with umpire decisions
Five years after his final appearance at the same place, the right-hander initially lacked concentration and occasionally also quarreled with umpire decisions.
Zverev only managed the decisive break to win the first set after six missed opportunities in the seventh game.
However, the French Open finalist then took control of the match. After further breaks to lead 1-0 and 4-1 in the second set, Zverev converted his first match point.