Alexander Zverev reaches the quarterfinals after beating Thanasi Kokkinakis

“I reached my first Masters event and my first quarter-finals here. This tournament has always been good to me. I’m just happy that I got through,” said Alexander Zverev after the game.

In the first set he had almost all the advantages on his side. Nevertheless, it took 55 minutes before the fourth in the world rankings had the 6:4 sealed.

The Hamburg player’s break to make it 3-2 was decisive. Kokkinakis fought back as best he could but couldn’t get his foot in the door when the Olympic champion served.

In the early stages of the second set, the Australian briefly had his chest treated, but was able to continue playing without any problems. However, the reigning Australian Open champion in doubles – analogous to set one – conceded the break again to make it 2: 3.

Zverev passes Nadal

Zverev then played his game and decided the game in his favor after an hour and 36 minutes.

A fully deserved success for the German, who didn’t concede a break ball to Kokkinakis throughout the match.

A nice side effect for Zverev: The 24-year-old will make up a place in the ATP ranking next Monday and pass the record Grand Slam champion Rafael Nadal, who is currently third.

Medvedev in the quarterfinals – number one beckons

Daniil Medvedev, meanwhile, only needs one win to take over the top of the world rankings again – also from Monday.

The US Open champion defeated Jenson Brooksby from the USA after a break deficit in the first set 7: 5 and 6: 1. If Medvedev wins his quarterfinals, the opponent is Hubert Hurkcaz or Llyod Harris, he is again ahead of Novak Djokovic in the ranking.

The 20-time Grand Slam tournament winner was unable to compete in Indian Wells and Miami because he did not have a vaccination against the corona virus.