Alexander Zverev at a loss to explain regularity of five-set Grand Slam marathon matches

Alexander Zverev reaffirmed his reputation as a Grand Slam marathon man by playing out another five-set match, although he did emerge victorious.

Zverev has struggled to get into the later stages of Slams in his career, with many top analysts believing it is due to his struggles to gain routine wins early on, sapping his energy for the second week.

He has now featured in 11 five-set matches at Grand Slams since the start of 2018 – more than any other player – with the latest being a 6-3, 3-6, 6-2, 2-6, 6-3 success over American Frances Tiafoe.

It doesn’t appear to be bothering him, but he does seem a little baffled by it.

“I’ve been here before. It’s usually what I do in the first few rounds of majors, to play five sets,” Zverev said afterwards.

“Maybe it’s to entertain the crowd,” Zverev joked.

“Frances gave me a real fight. I’m just happy to get the win somehow. I know if it goes the distance I am ready.

COME ON‼️ https://t.co/O62JFaC1MQ

— Alexander Zverev (@AlexZverev) August 29, 2019

“I’ve known Frances since we were little kids, we played each other all through juniors.

“Every match we play is getting tougher and tougher, hopefully, that will continue and we will play bigger matches throughout our careers.”

Zverev is coming off the back of a disappointing first-round exit at Wimbledon last month and has only ever been as far as a Grand Slam quarter-final at Roland Garros.

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