Alexander Zverev delivered a composed straight-sets victory over Canada’s Gabriel Diallo to book his place in the quarterfinals of the ATP 500 event at the BMW Open by Bitpanda.
The top seed will face Francisco Cerundolo next.
Zverev’s Straightforward Victory
The improved weather suited Alexander Zverev, who dominated the encounter from the outset on a packed Center Court. Several Bayern Munich players as well as his entire family were in attendance.
The German won 83 per cent of his first-service points and saved the only break point he faced. Zverev capitalized on five of his eight break-point chances to advance in one hour and 13 minutes.
“It was much more straightforward than in the first match,” said Zverev. “I think he had some issues with his back and wasn’t serving fully in the second set anymore. Very unfortunate, but of course I am happy with the win and getting an easier match today.”
Support from Bayern Munich
The three-time BMW Open by Bitpanda champion was also pleased with Bayern Munich’s win in the Champions League quarterfinals at the Allianz Arena on Wednesday evening.
“It was an amazing win yesterday; I was there watching. I took the kids down to the locker room afterwards and they were so nice to them. It was a great experience,” Zverev said.
Cerundolo Awaits in the Quarterfinals
Next up for Zverev is fifth seed Francisco Cerundolo. The Argentine cruised past Botic van de Zandschulp from the Netherlands 6-3, 6-0 in just 64 minutes.
“I wasn’t in a hurry, but it’s always nice to win fast to save energy for tomorrow when I have to play again,” Cerundolo said. “I played well from the baseline. I probably didn’t serve well in the first set, but it got better in the second. I am trying to improve every day.”
The world No. 19 has now reached back-to-back quarterfinals in Munich and feels comfortable in the conditions.
“I like the conditions here,” he said. “The clay is similar to the one in Argentina. It feels like home. There is a bit of altitude, but I am comfortable on this surface. My tennis is good and I hope I can keep going.”
Zverev leads their head-to-head record 4-3, having won the last four encounters.
“I have never beaten him on clay, which is his favourite surface, but I am definitely looking forward to the challenge,” Zverev said ahead of his eighth quarterfinal appearance in Munich. “I am very happy to be at this stage, facing a tough opponent. That’s what it’s going to be tomorrow.”
Qualifier Alex Molcan continued his impressive run at the BMW Open by Bitpanda with his fourth consecutive win this week.