Alexander Zverev ‘happy to be a part of history’ by ‘surviving’ latest ever match finish

Alexander Zverev defeated American youngster Jenson Brooksby in the first round of Acapulco in a match that ended at an absurd time of 4:55am local time. 

The defending champion took to court against the 21-year-old Brooksby already at 1:30am in Mexico before the pair played out a three hour 20 minute epic that brought them to nearly 5am.

Zverev held off two match points in a second set tiebreak to claim that set after an hour and 51 minutes before going on to victory 3-6, 7-6 (12-10), 6-2.

“Right now I’m happy that I won,” Zverev said in his post-match interview.

“I don’t know how Jenson [Brooksby] feels, it must be difficult.

“But, I’m happy to be a part of history.

“It was an incredible battle, I think it was an incredible match and hopefully many more to come from me this week.”

The previous latest ATP match finish came at the 2008 Australian Open when home talent Lleyton Hewitt ousted Marcos Baghdatis in a contest that ended at 4:34am.

Looking forward, Zverev hopes he can return to his highest level and put in a strong effort to defend his 2021 Acapulco title.

“Today I didn’t play my best, there’s no doubt about it,” he added on the match with Brooksby.

“but I didn’t give up, I knew that I wanted to do well here.

“I’m the defending champion and I want to give myself the best chance to win.

“I did well surviving today,” the world number three admitted.

Second seed Zverev takes on compatriot Peter Gojowczyk next after he too defeated an American youngster in Brandon Nakashima.

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