Top seed Alexander Zverev avoided an early exit from the Madrid Masters by battling back from a set down to beat Alejandro Davidovich Fokina.
The German world No.2 was on the court for more than two-and-a-half hours before beating home player Davidovich Fokina 2-6, 7-6(3), 7-6(0). Zverev struggled at times to generate momentum in his tennis, especially at the start when he lost 10 points in a row. Overall, he hit 24 winners against 28 unforced errors compared to his rivals tally of 32 and 45.
“There were a lot of ups and downs, but he was playing fantastic in the first set,” Zverev said during his on-court interview.
“I was playing terribly in the first set and then I was waiting for my chances.
“I had to keep digging deep. Winning like that is always great and I’m happy about today.”
Besides getting sternly tested by his rival, Zverev was also frustrated by the electronic line calling system which resulted in him getting penalized during the match. Leading 5-4 in the second set, a ball hit by Davidovich Fokina was called in by the system which Zverev believed was out. He asked umpire Mohamed Lahyani to look at the mark but he declined to do so. Umpires have been instructed that the line-calling system has the ultimate say when it comes to whether a shot is in or out.
“We are not allowed. Alexander, the system gave a decision. It’s the same for both of you. You have to accept it,” said Lahyani.
However, this explanation failed to win over Zverev who went on to say there must be a problem with the system.
“Then there’s a mistake in the system. Because this ball is like this [far] out. Look at it, please. The ball is like this [far] out. Then there is a malfunction. Because I look at the mark now on the serve, it’s also out but like this. The forehand is like this.” He continued.
After the conversation, the three-time Grand Slam finalist decided to get his phone out and take a photo of the mark in question. Resulting in him receiving a code violation for unsportsmanlike conduct.
Zverev had more pleasant remarks when it came to speaking about the performance of Davidovich Fokina, who was the last Spaniard remaining in the men’s draw. The 25-year-old is now 1-9 when it comes to playing top three players on the Tour but he has beaten three top 10 players this season.
“I said to him, he’s playing the best tennis of his life and big things are coming for him, and I’m sure about it,” Zverev said of their conversation at the net.
“He made the semi-finals of Monte Carlo, and I think he’s gonna keep having results like this and maybe even better because he’s a fantastic player.
“He improved so much compared to last year. Last year I always thought that he was missing maybe a bit too much.
Now he’s playing fast on both corners, not missing, moving incredibly well. Improved his serve a lot also. I have to give him a lot of credit.”
Zverev will next play either Francisco Cerúndolo or Francisco Comesana.
