Third seed Alexander Zverev navigated a tricky opening test and a dose of off-court humour to secure his place in the Australian Open second round, notching a significant personal milestone in the process.
A Rocky Start and a Remarkable Recovery
The German star, still pursuing his elusive first Grand Slam title, found himself in an unexpected battle on Sunday at Melbourne Park. Facing rising Canadian Gabriel Diallo, world number 41, Zverev dropped a tense opening set in a tiebreaker, losing it 7-1.
However, the three-time major finalist swiftly recalibrated. Shaking off the early frustration, Zverev dominated the remainder of the match on Rod Laver Arena, powering to a 6-7 (1-7) 6-1 6-4 6-2 victory in warm conditions. His serve became a formidable weapon, as he won a commanding 84 per cent of points on his first serve and converted six of eight break point opportunities.
"The first set wasn't my best tennis, I would say," Zverev admitted post-match. "But then afterwards when I got into the match I felt really good on the court and definitely happy with the level."
Post-Match Banter: Rings and Roulette
The afternoon's entertainment extended beyond the baseline. During his on-court interview, Zverev was the subject of a light-hearted marriage proposal. A fan held up a sign reading ‘Marry me Sasha’, prompting the Olympic champion to joke: ‘Where’s the ring, man?’ He then added with a laugh, ‘I am believing myself, I still want a ring! I’m not that cheap!’
Later, Zverev revealed he might try his hand at the casino, inspired by family fortune. "My brother has won a lot of money in the casino this week, so I hope the streak continues," he said. "I haven't played yet, so maybe I'll have to start as well."
Milestone Victory and Looking Ahead
This win marked a notable achievement for the 28-year-old, making him the first player to win his first-round match at ten consecutive Australian Opens. It represents a positive start to 2026 for Zverev, who endured a challenging previous season marred by injury and a first-round Wimbledon exit, following his defeat to Jannik Sinner in last year's Melbourne final.
Refreshed and refocused, Zverev now awaits the winner of the match between Australian Alexei Popyrin and France's Alexandre Muller for his second-round encounter.
Elsewhere in the men's draw on Sunday:
- British qualifier Arthur Fery scored a major upset, defeating 20th seed Flavio Cobolli 7-6 (7-1) 6-4 6-1 for his second tour-level win at a Grand Slam.
- Argentina's Tomas Martin Etcheverry survived a nearly four-hour, five-set epic against Miomir Kecmanovic, winning 6-2 3-6 4-6 6-3 6-4.
- Tenth seed Alexander Bublik advanced comfortably, beating American Jenson Brooksby 6-4 6-4 6-4.
- World number one Carlos Alcaraz efficiently dispatched local hope Adam Walton 6-3 7-6 (7-2) 6-2 in the night session.
