Zverev to play Thiem in RG quarter-final

 

Originally published on 03/06/18 00:00

Over the course of Roland Garros 2018, Alexander Zverev has significantly improved the percentage of five set matches that he has won. 

He had already won two successive five set matches to reach the fourth round. Today he defeated Karen Khachanov 4-6 7-6 (4) 2-6 6-3 6-3 to take his place in his first Grand Slam quarter final.

The No 2 seed was up against the hard-hitting Russian, who at 22 years and 20 days was competing in his first Grand Slam fourth round.

“I'm very happy about being in the quarterfinals here with going the hard way, going the long distance every single time,” Zverev said, ” and, you know, showing myself, showing everybody that I can play for as long as I need to.”

Zverev has had an impressive year so far winning titles in Munich and Madrid Masters 1000. He also reached the final in Masters 1000 events in Miami and Rome and the semi finals in Monte Carlo Masters 1000 and Acapulco. With 34 wins to his name, of the players on tour at the moment, he has won the most matches. 

Although he has won three career Masters 1000 titles, he had still to go deep into a Grand Slam, until today that is.  

“It's not about learning any more Zverev said. “It's about trying to find a way and trying to win. That's what I am able to do in the last few matches, and I'm very happy about that."

Ranked No 3 in the world and seeded No 2, the expectation is that his run won’t stop yet. In the quarter-final he faces the seventh seed Dominic Thiem who today defeated Kei Nishikori in four sets. The Austrian is also in-form having won 33 matches on tour this year. 

“I'm expecting another five-set match”, Zverev said of the quarter final.

Aged 21 and 51 days Sascha Zverev becomes the youngest man to reach the last eight here since Juan Martin del Potro in 2009, who for the record was 20 years and 257 days.

 “I'm happy. But this is not the end” he said, “This is the quarter-finals. It's not Sunday. It is Sunday, but, I mean, like, a week later Sunday,” he said smiling, referring to his desire to be here on men’s finals day.

 

Fourth round match results

Alexander Zverev beat Karen Khachanov 4-6 7-6 (4) 2-6 6-3 6-3

Dominic Thiem beat Kei Nishikori 6-2 6-0 5-7 6-4

Marco Cecchinato beat David Goffin 7-5 4-6 6-0 6-3

Novak Djokovic beat Fernando Verdasco 6-3 6-4 6-2

 

Quarter final match ups

Dominic Thiem vs. Alexander Zverev 

Marco Cecchinato vs, Novak Djokovic 

 

 

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