Zverev Fights Off Inspired Brooksby At Indian Wells
Alexander Zverev has survived a stern challenge from #NextGenATP American Jenson Brooksby to open his campaign for a third ATP Masters 1000 trophy of the season at Indian Wells on Sunday.
The German third seed overcame the 20-year-old home hope 6-4, 3-6, 6-1 in one hour and 48 minutes to set a third-round showdown with former World No. 1 Andy Murray, an earlier winner over #NextGenATP Spaniard Carlos Alcaraz.
Zverev, who was victorious in Madrid and Cincinnati this season, won 73 per cent of first-serve points, including 12 aces, in the pair’s first ATP Head2Head meeting. He ended the match with 28 winners to Brooksby’s 17, but his 35 unforced errors were 14 more than his opponent committed.
“Especially in the second set I didn’t see the ball well on [one] side of the court because of the sun,” Zverev said. “It wasn’t an easy match, but I’m happy to be through, I’m happy to be in the third round and playing Andy now.
“I think he’s the only one of the Big Four I haven’t beaten yet, so I hope I can change that. I think it’s incredible how well he’s moving and incredible how well he’s playing. I think he’s very motivated so I hope I can show my best tennis.”
Fifth in the ATP Race to Milan, Brooksby had beaten Turkish qualifier Cem Ilkel in the opening round in his first match since he made the fourth round at the US Open last month, where he took a set from top seed Novak Djokovic. He had shone on home soil in recent months, with a maiden ATP Tour final in Newport, before a semi-final run in Washington, and looked as though he could continue that solid run when he recovered from a break down to take the second set against Zverev.
The German halted any momentum his younger opponent had built however, when he broke for 2-0 in the deciding set. It proved the final turning point as he put the foot down to complete victory on a trio of aces.