Zverev ensures Dimitrov clash after beating Tiafoe in Roland Garros

Alexander Zverev advanced to the fourth round of Roland Garros after a tough 3-6, 7-6(3), 6-1, 7-6(5) victory over Frances Tiafoe in the late match of Saturday’s program. The German showed a stronger mentality in the two tiebreaks and secured a place in the round of 16, where his opponent will be Bulgarian Grigor Dimitrov.

Zverev will play in the second week in Paris for the sixth consecutive year. He had to make a comeback after losing the first set in which he didn’t hit a single ace and didn’t reach a single break point. At the beginning of the second set, Zverev led 2:0, but allowed Tiafoe to return the break. In the tiebreak, the American tennis player was helpless against the aggressive game of his opponent.

Alexander Zverev after beating Frances Tiafoe at Roland Garros:

“It’s been the hardest year in my life. I’m not playing tennis for fame or money, I’m just loving the competition. To be far from that was tough. I’m so happy to be back, it’ll be a great second week for me.” pic.twitter.com/LBi7tVqUZ7

— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) June 3, 2023

Zverev’s serve worked at full speed only in the third set, which started with a break for Tiafoe. After that, however, the scales tilted sharply in favor of the German and he did not lose another game – 6:1.

Alexander Zverev hits the passing shot of the tournament against Frances Tiafoe

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Fritz and Tiafoe set up all-American semi-final at the US Open

To be moving like this 1 year after his nightmare of an injury against Rafa Nadal at this very tournament… wow.

Poetry in motion.

pic.twitter.com/CYv59w5iA2

— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) June 3, 2023

Tiafoe did not give up and displayed top-class tennis to take a 5-3 lead in the fourth set. However, Zverev returned the break, and in the tiebreak he was more stable again and after 3 hours and 45 minutes he ended the match.