Belgium’s David Goffin produced an excellent display to defeat World No.4 Alexander Zverev 6-3, 6-3, in the Hopman Cup. The win ensures that the Group A tie between Belgium and Germany will be decided by the mixed doubles.
Goffin has started the season in the way he ended his 2017 campaign. Having defeated the likes of Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Dominic Thiem, Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, and Lucas Pouille in the last few weeks of 2017, expectations are high for the Belgian.
Goffin came out fired up, breaking in the opening game before holding for 2-0. Goffin survived three break points in the 6th game before breaking again in the 9th game to take the opener.
Zverev had a point to prove in the second, and the tall German did manage to take the first break of the second, coaxing a backhand error from Goffin.
The two players were back on serve after the 4th game when Zverev was forced into an error after a wonderful deep return of serve from Goffin. Zverev’s concentration seemed to evaporate as he smacked balls into the air and tossed his racket in frustration.
Goffi made it four games in a row with another hold and break, forcing Zverev into an unforced error. Goffin had chances to close out the win with match points at 5-2 against the Zverev serve. The German at least made Goffin serve out, but he had few problems in securing a highly impressive victory.
The tie,now at 1-1, between Belgium and Germany will see Elise Mertens and Angelique Kerber join the men for the mixed doubles to decide the winner.
