First bye, now free time.
Alexander Zverev (24) is thrown out of the important Masters tournament in Indian Wells / California and loses his opening match straight away.
In his first individual appearance on the ATP tour since he freaked out in Acapulco almost three weeks ago, he lost to Tommy Paul (24 / USA) in 2:17 hours 2: 6, 6: 4, 6: 7 (2: 7 ).
Out against number 39 in the world!
Zverev: “I have to look into myself a bit and see how I can turn the season around a bit. Because right now, I think everything is going in the wrong direction.”
And further: “Last year everything went my way in the last six months, I won all these matches, except here against (Taylor) Fritz. And this year everything is going against me.”
Bitter: In the decisive 3rd set, the Hamburg player is already leading 4:2. But then gives up his serve after four double errors – and loses the match in the tie-break.
In round one, Zverev had a bye as third in the world rankings, now the rapid failure that is throwing him back further in the race for number one in the world.
Despite his anger attack in Acapulco when he hit the referee’s chair with his bat, Zverev was allowed to compete in Indian Wells.
The sentence of eight weeks suspension and the fine of 25,000 US dollars is suspended for one year probation.
Due to the surprising Zverev-Aus, there are no longer any German professionals at the $ 8.6 million event in the Californian desert. Koepfer, Struff, Otte and Kohlschreiber had already failed before him.
Angelique Kerber (34) is the only German in round three for the women, beating Daria Kasatkina 6:2, 6:1. Next opponent: Iga Swiatek.
