ATP: Alexander Zverev starts confidently – Nadal has to withdraw

Alexander Zverev got off to a good start in the Acapulco ATP World Tour 500 tournament: Germany’s number one defeated the American Mackenzie McDonald in two sets. However, Rafael Nadal was unable to compete.

The first match between Zverev and McDonald, who had forced Dimitrov into a fifth set at the Australian Open Grigor Dimitrov, lasted just over 80 minutes. Born in Hamburg, he only allowed one break ball and took two chances himself, which was enough to make it into the second round. Originally Zverev was supposed to play Steve Johnson, but he had to retire at short notice. In round two, Alexander Zverev will play either his Davis Cup colleague Peter Gojowczyk or the Mexican Lucas Gomez.

Misha Zverev has already retired: Alexander’s older brother did not stand a chance against Juan Martin del Potro at 1:6 and 2:6.

Rafael Nadal had to cancel his start in Acapulco. My goal and hope was to play this tournament,”said the world rank number two at a press conference on Tuesday afternoon (local time). Unfortunately, I had a lot of pain in my leg again yesterday during my last training session,”said the 31-year-old Spaniard only a few hours before he should have played his first-round match.

Thus Alexander Zverev will be the favourite for the rest of the tournament. Especially since the first player on the German branch, John Isner, has already lost to Ryan Harrison in round one. The title defender Sam Querrey, who was defeated by the Australian Matthew Ebden, has also already retired.