After Rafael Nadal, Alexander Zverev has also beaten the next “old master” at the French Open and can dream of his first Grand Slam title. Against David Goffin (Belgium), only the first set was close. In the end, the German won 7:6 (7:3), 6:2, 6:2 and is in the 3rd round of the French Open for tennis professionals in Paris.
While there was a forced break on all outdoor courts on Thursday (May 30, 2024) due to persistent rain, Zverev was able to play his game on the covered Suzanne Lenglen Court. Against the 33-year-old Goffin, Germany’s number one did not have a single break point against him in 2:23 hours of play. Instead, he took the Belgian’s serve twice in sets two and three and immediately converted his first match point with a strong forehand longline.
French Open Men, 2nd round arrow right French Open Women, 2nd round arrow right
“If it’s heavy and slow, it’s not ideal for me, but I felt the ball well,” said Zverev after the match. In the third round, the 27-year-old will face the winner of the duel between Luciano Darderi (Italy) and Tallon Griekspoor (Netherlands/No. 26). In the past three years, the German has always reached the semifinals of the Grand Slam tournament on clay.
Zverev clearly superior from set two
Zverev had some problems in the first set against a combative Goffin. But as the game progressed, the number four in the world rankings became more and more confident and could rely on a strong serve and great precision even in pressure situations.
Especially in the final phase of the match, Zverev was clearly superior and freed himself from difficult positions with powerful groundstrokes – just like on match point.
