ATP: Grande Sascha: Alexander Zverev takes the first hurdle in Rome

Alexander Zverev won his opening game at the ATP Masters 1000 in Rome. The 21-year-old beat Italian Matteo Berrettini 7-5, 6-2.

At the beginning the two players didn’t give each other much, Berrettini was the first to get three break chances in the fourth service game. After Zverev defended them, he could not use any of his four chances in the ninth game before securing a decisive 6-5 advantage in the eleventh game. After 49 minutes, the 1.98-meter man served for the first set win.

Zverev took the momentum into the second heat well: In the very first game he took Berrettini off the serve. The preliminary decision had been made, but the game still had a lot of drama to offer.

At the beginning of the second set, the Italian was briefly but clearly admonished by the referee. He had communicated too much with his coach, which is strictly speaking forbidden on the ATP tour during matches.

Shortly thereafter, Berrettini had a moment of shock: With his forehand broken in, he broke his ankle and went down, but still made the point. The chair referee and Zverev immediately asked the 22-year-old, who then continued to play.

Zverev took the 4-1 double break shortly afterwards, breaking the spell and ensuring victory. Berrettini had defeated the American Frances Tiafoe in two sets in the first round on Monday. Zverev enjoyed a walk-through as number two of the tournament.

In round three, Zverev will now face Kyle Edmund of Britain, who eliminated Lucas Pouille from France 6-2, 7-6(3).